UNKRA Helps Reconstruction of Fire-Ravaged Pusan

Even before the disastrous fire which ravaged Pusan had burned itself out, the U.N. Korean Reconstruction Agency offered 5,500,000 board feet of construction lumber suitable for the construction of houses for the tens of thousands of homeless. Later, plans were made to erect modern, permanent housing to replace the homes which burned down, and UNKRA made available 46 of its "Landcrete" machines to help in the reconstruction of the city. The machines, imported from South Africa to aid the Agency's housing program, turn out pressed earth blocks made of a mixture of earth and cement, and can be operated by Korean laborers with a minimum of training. They have been turned over to the army of the Republic of Korea, and technical staff has been provided to assist in the rebuilding.
This picture shows Mr. Syngman Rhee (right), President of the Republic of Korea, and General John B. Coulter, Agent-General of UNKRA, as they were inspecting construction of the housing project. Part of one of the machines and one of the earth blocks it makes are seen in the foreground. (Note the groove) [No exact date]