The central government and local governments will invest a total
of 8 billion yuan (US$1 billion) in 2006 to tackle drinking water
shortages and guarantee water safety?for 20 million Chinese
living in rural areas.
"The central government will provide about 4 billion yuan and
the local governments will provide the rest," an official with the
National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said in Beijing
Tuesday.
The Chinese government's comprehensive measures include
providing clean water, protecting the environment and giving
hygiene education to rural residents. The aim is to ensure the
safety of the drinking water supply for Chinese living in rural
areas.
?
The NDRC, the Ministry of Water Resources and Ministry of Health
are working on a drinking water safety project for the 11th
Five-Year Guideline (2006-2010).
Between 2000 and 2005, China invested 23.5 billion yuan to solve
drinking water issues. About 71 million people in China's vast
rural areas have been relieved of drinking water shortages.
According to the NDRC, "measures taken to solve drinking water
shortages and safety issues have improved the health of Chinese
living in the countryside and boosted the economic and social
development of China's rural areas."
(Xinhua News Agency January 19, 2006)
