Vice-Premier Wu Bangguo has called for stringent quality control over the construction of the costly Three Gorges hydropower project.
He also confirmed that the target dates for completion of the second phase of the project will be met.
Wu, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the State Council committee on the examination and appraisal of the Three Gorges project, made these remarks during the committee's first plenary meeting on Friday.
The goals of the second phase include conserving water of the Three Gorges Reservoir, commencing navigation, and generating electricity by 2003, in accordance with the timetable.
The project has been advancing smoothly, in general, under the steadfast leadership of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, and thanks to the efforts of the builders, and the relevant local government departments, said Wu.
The relocation of residents affected by the giant project is crucial and the most difficult challenge for the project, the official emphasized, adding that efforts should be made to ensure their stability and well-being.
(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2002)
