Frozen pipes cut Guiyang water supply

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-02-2008 08:43

The freezing rain has damaged not only power grids but it's also freezing water pipes, cutting water supplies to the city's houses. Many locals are being forced to rely on trucks to deliver their everyday water supplies.

Many locals are being forced to rely on trucks to deliver their everyday water supplies.

Shu Jihua is a water truck driver. He delivers water four times a day and every time, his tank carries about 13 tons of water. This time, he will go to Panyingjie, where many people are awaiting anxiously badly in need of water.

A Guiyang citizen said, "We have had no water for 4 days. We have to save every single drop. The water truck came yesterday and we were so happy. Without water, we cannot cook, we have to go to our friends' home to have meal."

Any container, big or small, round or square, has become very important. Since the freezing weather began in the middle of January, many parts of the city have had no access to tap water. Water pipes are frozen, and many of them have also broken.

Yu Jun, deputy Gen. manager of Guiyang Water Supply Co., said, "Currently, 23 water trucks are being used to send water to residents located all over the city. We are doing our best. If the freezing weather does not end, we have an emergency plan. We will work with fire stations and use their fire engines."

Nobody wants to miss the chance to get water, but people are still remembering their manners – all the containers are neatly lined up.

Luo Li has filled her bucket. But it's very heavy and her journey home is not easy.

Guiyang resident Luo Li said, "We have had no water for 6 days. It's bad, but I think things will get better soon."

Bowls and plates are left unwashed. Everything possible is used to collect water. Although water truck drivers say they will come back again, residents are still worried that the situation will last for a long time yet, because the weather is not showing any signs of improvement.

A Guiyang resident said, "I am afraid that the water will not be back on for the Spring Festival. We usually make a big dinner for the holiday, so I really hope the water supply can be restored."

The local government says in some places, water supply problems are the result of power cuts at pumping stations. Repairs to damaged power grids have made rapid progress, and Guiyang residents hope water supply will be returned to normal before the festival.

Editor:Zhang Ning