The headquarters for quake-relief command of the State Council, China's
Cabinet, yesterday called for priority in reconstructing public facilities such
as schools and hospitals in the country's southwestern quake-hit region.
At a regular meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao, the headquarters
clarified the main tasks of the relief and reconstruction in the quake-hit zone,
giving priority to rebuilding and quality of public facilities that were closely
related to the lives of local residents.
Reconstruction should also pay great attention to the preservation of
traditional and cultural relics.
When the local governments help farmers rebuild homes, officials should fully
respect their will and mobilize more social aid, as well as governmental
subsidies, the headquarters ordered.
It suggested that those involved in the rebuilding of transport,
communication, energy and other infrastructure should first resume their
operation and properly arrange their location in accordance with local
geological conditions.
Many factories, arable land and farmer's crops were damaged by the
devastating May 12 quake that killed nearly 70,000. The headquarters stressed
the seriously-destroyed factories be rearranged to resume production in new
sites and for the recovery of local agriculture as soon as possible.
It reminded all quake-relief officials the reconstruction would be long-term
and a tough task for governments as it required scientific planning and an
orderly procedure.
