China issues guidelines on post-quake reconstruction

Source: Xinhua | 07-05-2008 09:06

BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council published on Friday guidelines on post-quake reconstruction, emphasizing house repair and building work.

A local man builds house at ruins at Yuzixi Village, Yingxiu  Township, Wenchuan County in Southwest China's Sichuan Province,  June 9, 2008. Residents in quake-hit Yingxiu Township are now  reconstructing their hometown.(Xinhua Photo)

The State Council, China's Cabinet, stressed priority for repairing and building houses for people whose homes were destroyed during the May 12 tremor.

"Check for repairable buildings and fix them as soon as possible; scientifically choose sites, economically use land and set down reasonable quake-resistant levels for building new houses," the guidelines said.

Areas suitable for living must be marked off based on scientific standards and evaluations on geology and natural resources. Meanwhile, the government will see to the reasonable distribution regarding population, industry and productivity, according to the guidelines.

The reconstruction of buildings should take local advice into account, and be based on governmental subsidies, social support and local resources.

All the measures were aimed to let quake-hit people live in "safe and comfortable houses as soon as possible", said the guidelines.

Resources should be optimized to upgrade quake resistance standards and improve the quality of construction, the guidelines said.

Priority should be given to the reconstruction of public facilities, including schools and hospitals, and these buildings should be the "safest, most solid and trustworthy".

The guidelines required high schools and vocational schools be located in county seats, middle school in townships while primary school sites be relatively concentrated.

The guidelines also underscored the importance of protecting the ethnic and cultural relics affected by the major quake.

Earthquake sites and memorial halls would be erected, and the reconstruction of government buildings should be "frugal" and "practical."

The restoration of infrastructure should be adjusted to local conditions and planning, the guidelines added.