Epidemic containment measures stepped up for couriers

More efforts needed on renovation of rural toilets

A government notice published on Friday called for greater efforts to encourage more farmers to renovate their toilets as part of the country's broader effort to improve the living environment in rural areas.

The notice, jointly released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and two other departments, said authorities must fully respect the wishes of farmers as they move forward with toilet renovation projects in rural areas.

Authorities must minimize the impact of such projects on the normal life of farmers, it added, and come up with the right technological standards for rural toilets while avoiding sweeping approaches.

Local governments must ensure proper maintenance arrangements are in place after renovation projects are completed, the notice said, adding that authorities must allocate appropriate funding to help maintain toilets.

It is important to ensure that toilet renovation projects are pushed forward in step with the development of rural sewage treatment systems, it added.