'People-first' plan to govern Sichuan reconstruction

By Huang Zhiling and Cheng Shangxuan (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-09 08:43

Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, has developed a post-earthquake reconstruction plan that will speed up the city's economic construction and boost economic development of neighboring Mianyang and Deyang cities, according to deputy mayor Liu Pu.

Liu, who is in charge of Chengdu's post-quake reconstruction, told the media that Chengdu as the provincial capital is the window on Sichuan and the base for reconstruction in neighboring areas.

Only a detailed and reasonable plan can result in the speedy recovery and modernization of the economy in Chengdu and all of Sichuan, he said. The plan will include infrastructure projects scheduled to begin construction in the second half of this year.

Projects include the Chengdu-Dujiangyan and Chengdu-Mianyang-Leshan intercity railways, the deputy mayor said.

In addition to infrastructure projects, the plan will include reconstruction of permanent - not prefab - houses, public facilities, industrial operations, urban systems and environment protection, he said.

The plan will be released publicly when it is complete to solicit suggestions for revision. After expert appraisal, the revised plan will be examined and approved by the government, he explained.

The reconstruction plan will put people's opinion first and provide more than one choice, the deputy mayor said. It will also give consideration to the combination of reconstruction and long-term development, and respect for nature and history, he said.

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