Elderly man in drought-hit Guangxi proud of his duty as guard for local reservior

"I am glad that there is still water left in the reservoir during the severe drought," said Li Shaotian, a villager of Xiaoguola Village, Pohe Township, Napo County, who is 68 years old this year. 23 years ago, because of a request from the township government, Li left the village and went to the Guoba reservoir, which is about five kilometers away from his village. Though Li is not granted a salary, he continues to keep guard over the reservoir. Because of his protection, over 30,000 cubic meters of clean water is left in the reservoir despite the severe drought, greatly alleviating the the drought in Longhe Township which lies in the lower reaches and other irrigation areas.

Li Shaotian is very proud when he talks about the reservoir

On the hillside beside Guoba reservoir, a house with a mountain behind and water in front caught the reporter's attention. The house has two floors: the upper floor is reserved as a living space and the lower floor is used to raise chickens. Li was standing in front of the house, looking like he was in a trance as he watched the reservoir. Because of the drought, the water level in the reservoir is very low this year, and the water on the end near the house has receded, leaving only cracked mud.

Li has kept guard over the reservoir for 23 years on the township leader's request. In 1987, Guoba reservoir, established in 1966, had major problems after a severe flood, and as a result, needed protecting. Li, who is honest and hardworking, has been a cadre in the village, and has plenty of experience in managing the reservoir. Cadres in the township thought Li was the one most suitable to look after the reservoir, and Li did not decline. He went to the reservoir, which is five kilometers away from his home, and lived there. At the beginning, Li set up a shed, and later he built that two-story house. Li spends most of his time protecting the reservoir except for the busy farming season when he will go home to take care of his crops.