North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has removed senior officials responsible for a construction project in Samjiyon due to “irresponsible” handling. The officials, including Minister of State Construction Control Ri Sun Chol, were suspended or demoted for causing “serious deviations,” including poor construction work and financial losses. Kim expressed dissatisfaction with the outdated and backward construction of hotels and suspended all members of the construction inspection committee. He also demoted a ruling Workers’ Party official and vowed to reexamine the vice premier and others for neglecting their duties. Kim’s actions underscore the importance he places on the Samjiyon project, which is aimed at creating a “model of a highly civilized mountain city.”North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sacked officials responsible for a new town project after branding their work “irresponsible,” state media reported Wednesday. The officials were dismissed for “failing to complete the construction of the Wisong Scientists Residential District,” the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. The district, located on the outskirts of Pyongyang, was intended to provide housing for scientists and their families. KCNA said Kim had visited the site and found “serious problems” with the construction work. The agency said Kim had ordered the officials to be punished for their “irresponsible and negligent work.” The dismissals are the latest in a series of purges of officials by Kim, who has been in power since 2011. In recent months, Kim has sacked several top officials, including his defense minister and foreign minister. Analysts say the purges are a sign of Kim’s growing insecurity and his determination to maintain absolute control over the country.