The work began on Nov. 13 this year and it cost a total 30 million yuan (US$3.6 million).

To repair the subsided water dividing project of the irrigation system, workers have built a new water dividing facility, which was reinforced by a one-meter-thick wall covered with a 60-cm layer of concrete.

In addition, four ridges have been built at the riverbed to reduce the impulsive force of water. Riverbed silt has also been removed.

Built on the upper reaches of the Minjiang River, a major tributary of China's longest river, the Yangtze, the Dujiangyan irrigation system is said to be the world's oldest irrigation project still in operation. At present, it irrigates 672,600 hectares of farmland and provides water for daily use and industrial purposes for people and enterprises in 50 large and medium-sized cities in Sichuan Province.

It has been placed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

(Xinhua News Agency December 27, 2002)