Wen speaks on relief, rehabilitation in China´s quake-hit areas

The general plan for rehabilitation will soon be implemented, said Wen, who called for determination to win the hard battle of rehabilitation.

He said it would take up to three years to complete the rehabilitation program and ensure that living conditions and economic development in the region would reach or surpass pre-quake levels.

There will be homes and jobs for each household and social security for everyone, Wen said. He pledged to improve the local infrastructure and the economy and environment in the quake areas.

The government will work hard to ensure people's living conditions in the area, especially warm housing and food supply during the winter and the normal operation of local schools.

He also asked for medical and psychological aid for survivors and urged local governments to ensure public security and social stability.

On housing, Wen pledged to have those left homeless in new houses by the end of 2009. The central government will subsidize house rebuilding, he noted.

The rebuilding of houses and public utilities should be integrated with the new countryside development, while the reconstruction of historic towns and villages should be combined with the preservation of their historic style, Wen said.

He called for stepped-up efforts to rebuild public facilities and infrastructure, saying it will be a long-term job. Preference should be given to rebuilding schools and hospitals, stressing the importance of quality, to make these buildings the safest, strongest and most satisfactory to the public.

Wen highlighted the issue of employment in the quake areas, saying that to rebuild local industries was a fundamental necessity for developing the local economy, increasing employment and safeguarding social stability.

Local companies should try hard to restore their capacity and attract companies from other parts of the country to participate in the merger and reorganization of local companies, Wen said. He also urged local people to work hard to restore agricultural production and tourism.