More post-storm attention to rural schools

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-04-2008 19:26

Special Report:   Winter Storm Relief
Special Report:   2008 NPC & CPPCC sessions

Reconstruction of buildings and facilities destroyed by the winter storms is now underway.

But infrastructure in rural areas was weak to begin with. Schools were particularly hard hit.

Schools were particularly hard hit. (CCTV.com)

One CPPCC member wants more attention paid to rural schools now.

Each word in this proposal concerns students in a remote village in Hubei Province. Heavy snow destroyed their schools. Rebuilding has started, but funding is still a problem.

Cao Yi worries about the dangers of inadequate repair. And he wants to do something about it.

Cao Yi, CPPCC Member, said, "Most schools have reopened as the new semester began. But many buildings are so old in terms of material and design. So I'm suggesting the government allocate money for renovation. Rural infrastructure is weak, and the renovation should be a long-term project."

As nearly half of the country was battling the storms, problems in public facilities and the emergency response mechanism became hard to ignore.

Cao Yi wants to make sure the countryside doesn't suffer like that again.

Cao Yi, CPPCC Member, said, "The storm was unprecedented. So naturally we were not ready. But it's truly a very important lesson to learn from. My proposal is not just for the schools in my province. They are just a window. But through them, we know China's poor rural areas need more help. I have seen great improvements over the years, and this is why I'm expecting more things to happen."

Cao Yi's proposal will be examined and the relevant ministries will respond if it goes on record.

"The weather is warming up in early spring. Hopefully plenty of sunshine will help clear some traces of the winter storm. But reconstruction will still take a lot of time and efforts. Proposals like Cao Yi's are not just for rebuilding collapsed houses. What the members hope is that in the near future, infrastructure in rural areas can stand the test of a severe winter. WMM, CCTV, Beijing."

 

Editor:Zhang Pengfei