¡¡ The Xiaolangdi Project, the largest dam on the Yellow River, started storing water October 25, according to officials with the project.

¡¡ If there is amply water supply in the upper reaches of the river, the first power-generating unit at the dam will begin generating power by the end of this year, according to Xiaolangdi Administration officials.

¡¡ The project has used one billion US dollars-worth of World Bank loans. It is a multi-purpose project in central China's Henan Province for flood control, ice control, dredging, water supply, and hydro-electric power.

¡¡ It is expected to be completed by the year 2001 at a total cost of 34.75 billion yuan (about 4.19 billion US dollars).

¡¡ The project used 21 billion yuan (about 2.5 billion US dollars) to complete construction of the main flood-control facilities and relocate nearly 40,000 people living in the vicinity of the dam. (Xinhua)