Lhasa stepping up efforts to repair damaged public facilities

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-28-2008 12:46

Local authorities and workers are stepping up efforts to repair damaged public facilities in Lhasa, the capital of Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Many public facilities were severely damaged there in the recent riots.

Fires set by the rioters have damaged many roads and pavements.The destroyed area of road surface is estimated at nearly 50,000 square meters.

Workers are repairing fences protecting the green zones at the Jokhang Temple.

Local authorities say rioters damaged about 100-meters of the barrier by force or arson.

Elsewhere in Lhasa, over 500-meters of fencing has also been destroyed.

Fires set by the rioters have damaged many roads and pavements.

The destroyed area of road surface is estimated at nearly 50,000 square meters.

Rioters have also smashed and burned 1,500 street lamps, which workers are now replacing.

A Lhasa resident said, "The lights are on. We can now feel more comfortable when walking outdoors at night."

Lhasa official Li Changsheng said, "Tonight, lights will basically be on in main streets of Lhasa. Other damaged public facilities, such as road surfaces and fences, are under intensive repair. They're expected to be recovered in three or four months."

And to help local businesses re-open, the Tibet regional government has promised to offer interest-free or subsidized loans.

Editor:Zhang Ning