China has promised to set up 1.5 million temporary shelters in three months for the earthquake survivors in the southwest province of Sichuan. The whole nation is on the move to meet this target. Our reporter Shuang Feng has more.
Reporter:
21 provinces, regions and cities across the country have taken on the responsibility to set up makeshift shelters in the disaster-hit regions.(Www.hxen.com)
Chinese president Hu Jintao has stated that relocating quake survivors is the top priority at the moment.
"The biggest challenge we are facing is the shortage of temporary shelters. It's an urgent task to make as many shelters as possible. I hope you can accomplish the mission, and help people in the quake-hit areas move into their new homes earlier."
The Chinese government has demanded constructors be held responsible for making, transporting and installing the shelters. The shelters must also be able to withstand shock, fire, and cold, and should be able to last at least three years.
Businesses have been speeding up production to meet the demand. Li Changzhi is a workshop manager in Shandong.
"Workers here are all eager to do something for people in quake-hit regions. People there are enduring more hardship than us. We are all willing to help people there rebuild their homes."
South China's Guangdong is offering aid to the worst-hit areas of Wenchuan and Deyang. Pang Qingfang is director of the Guangdong Provincial Construction Department.
"We are doing everything we can to finish the job as quickly as possible, and while ensuring the best quality."
More than 11,000 temporary shelters were set up as of June 1, with another 45,000 under construction. More than 81,000 tents are being transported to the quake-hit regions.
So far, more than 15 million quake victims have been relocated, mostly into tents. The temporary shelters are expected to vastly improve their current living conditions.
