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Water-related Problems Remain Tough
With worsening water-related problems confronting China, Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao said the nation must utilize its water in a more efficient way, China daily reported on July 12.
"China has to work hard to deal with its insufficiency of water resources, worsening water pollution and threats of floods and droughts,'' Wen said on Tuesday.
Water shortages, polluted water, droughts and floods are problems that must be dealt with as they could blunt China's development, experts believe.
Qian Zhengying, Zhang Guangdou and Pan Jiazheng of the Chinese Academy of Engineering delivered a report on Tuesday that said China's water resources strategy "is to raise the utilization rate of water and turn the whole society into a water-efficient one.''
Wen urged central government agencies to seriously consider adopting suggestions that the academy's experts may make.
Wen said China will continue to spend more on constructing water-control facilities.
Wen urged local government officials to modernize irrigation with the use of water-saving techniques.
Wen also said government should charge reasonable prices for water used by industries and urban homes.
Sewage treatment plants must be built throughout urban areas, while water pollution caused by farming and industries must be controlled, Wen added.
Droughts in the north and seasonal floods remain threats. Localities should be prepared for potential natural disasters, Wen warned.
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