The reconstruction plan for quake-hit areas in Sichuan Province will be carried out in 2 stages. The first phase, lasting 2 years, will mainly focus on reconstruction. The second phase, lasting 5 years from 2011 to 2015 will primarily focus on development. So far, the basic work of reconstruction has been vigorously carried out.

The Sichuan Development and Reform Commission says the program covers quake-hit Wenchuan and similar areas. Some projects will be carried out on an expedited schedule. Among these projects are rebuilding houses in their original locations and rebuilding public institutions such as schools and hospitals; and also restoring infrastructure such as transport, water and power supplies, as well as radio and TV service.

To accumulate reconstruction experience, the province will select two towns as a testing ground for reconstruction. Efforts in one town will focus on rebuilding on original sites. Efforts in the other town will focus on building on alternative sites.

The Central government has allocated 70 billion yuan -- about US$10 billion -- in its budget to fund the program. And more money may be allocated over the next two years.

Evaluations of disaster-related losses have been carried out. These assessments offer information and statistics to help structure the reconstruction program.

Liu Jie, Chief of Sichuan Development & Reform Comm. said "According to our plan, evaluations should be finished before the end of this month. Some of them may be reported earlier, by June 10 or 20. The evaluation covers many aspects, including the area affected by the quake the effect of the quake and secondary disasters on the natural environment. The evaluations are important for our reconstruction planning."

Liu says they are waiting for the results of the evaluation reports to determine which counties must be relocated to new areas. But he says the commission anticipates that only a few counties will need to be relocated.

(CCTV June 3, 2008)