Eight out of 10 Chinese people are concerned about environmental protection and sanitation issues but don't know much about current practices, an international survey has found.
Among the findings, half of the 2,830 respondents said they don't know how their city disposes of their waste.
“This indicates more publicity actions need to be implemented,” said David Campbell, project manager with the Asia Development Bank, which commissioned the survey along with China's Ministry of Construction.
The survey, a prelude to an international effort to devise China's urban waste management strategy, found air quality at the top of the list. Water pollution, waste water treatment, noise and waste issues also ranked high.
ADB is expected to assist in designing and funding the course of action.
Most respondents said high technology is the most important way to handle waste, including waste collection, transportation and specialized waste disposal facilities.
Seventy-eight percent of respondents also said they would be willing to pay for waste treatment and disposal services.
(Xinhua News Agency 08/10/2001)
