Construction site of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. [File photo]

The eastern and middle routes are already under construction while the western route is still at blueprint stage.

The water price will also be increased in the first half of this year because the current price fails to cover the cost of water plants, Cheng said.

"A hearing will be held for the water price adjustment and the plan will be implemented after the approval of the city government," Cheng said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2009)