Chinese Premier Underlines Flood-Control Work
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji has called for increased efforts in flood control along the Yangtze River.
The call was made in a speech delivered at a conference on flood-control work on July 13, which was published on today's People's Daily.
Saying he was "very concerned" about the flood-control situation along the Yangtze, the premier said three points need to be emphasized to overcome floods this year: conducting a sound analysis of the flood-control situation, drafting thorough plans and making good preparations for flood-prevention, and ensuring the quality of water control projects.
"The flood-control work is of great significance this year since we are to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of New China, and Macao is expected to return to the embrace of the motherland," Zhu said, adding that controlling floods has a direct bearing on China's reform, development and stability.
However, Zhu said he is not optimistic about the flood-control situation along the Yangtze River, considering the early arrival of the rainy season, heavy precipitation, inadequate flood- prevention-capacity of water control projects along the river, and lack of preparations in some areas.
"Leaders at all levels in the provinces and municipalities along the Yangtze River must keep a clear mind about the flood-control situation and prepare for the worst floods and the most severe flooding," the premier stressed.
Zhu continued to say that thorough plans and good preparations are needed for victory in flood-control work along the Yangtze.
A responsibility system needs to be adopted which will hold officials responsible for flood-control, and thorough inspections need to be made to rule out quality problems in flood-prevention projects, he said.
Zhu added that flood-control materials and rescue teams should be made available for timely flood relief, and dikes should be watched around the clock to detect danger as early as possible.
Also, flood-relief efforts need to be intensified in flood-hit areas, and all local governments and all departments should make concerted efforts to fight floods.
Zhu also stressed quality control in water control projects, advocating a responsibility system, scientific design, public bidding, strict supervision, and strict management of project funds.
Zhu concluded his speech by pledging to effect a permanent cure for flooding along the Yangtze River, which includes a ban on logging and increased afforestation on the upper reaches of the Yangtze. (Xinhua)
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