CCTV report sparks probe into electrical units

The top official in Cangzhou, Hebei province, promised a thorough investigation into insulator products produced in the city and the people allegedly responsible for making and selling unqualified units. He added that those involved will be punished.

The remarks by Kang Yanmin, the city's Party chief, came after China Central Television reported on Wednesday that a large number of insulator units for overhead electrical power lines were reconditioned ones from Hejian city that had been sold nationwide without testing for quality.

The annual CCTV program that was broadcast on Wednesday evening — 315 Evening Gala — typically exposes business misconduct.

Kang said related officials and the head of the city's public security bureau had gone to factories in Hejian to deal with the matter after learning about the allegations, China Radio International reported.

Kang also told a reporter on Wednesday night that all insulators and other products would be screened. As for the alleged misconduct exposed by CCTV, he said, all related products will be sealed for investigation.

Finding out whether or not the government or regulatory authorities are to blame will also be a subject for investigation, he said, noting that questions needed to be answered about how the factories evaded detection and how unqualified products were sold.

He said the city will crack down on the factories' protective umbrellas — a term sometimes used in reference to government officials who shield companies' questionable acts — and any corruption will be uncovered, he said.

Kang added that Cangzhou will promptly hold a meeting to discuss the quality of its products and its market supervision practices.