President Hu concludes inspection tour in Anhui

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd R, front) watches the growth conditions of wheat during his inspection to the Wangjiaba Town in Funan County, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 12, 2008. Hu made an inspection tour to Anhui from Jan. 11 to 14.(Xinhua Photo)

Braving snow and a cold front, Hu went to a water project along the Huaihe River to see the construction progress of flood prevention and control facilities.

Wangjiaba, one major flood gate along the river, played a key role in flood control and greatly reduced losses last year.

Climbing onto the main dam, Hu praised the initial achievement of the flood control efforts, urging the local government to step up efforts in building a disaster prevention network so as to ensure a safe life of the locals.

The local residents, living along the Huaihe River, had made great contribution and sacrifice for flood control efforts, he said.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (3rd R) talks with a villager during his inspection to the Wangjiaba Town in Funan County, east China's Anhui Province, Jan. 12, 2008. Hu made an inspection tour to Anhui from Jan. 11 to 14. (Xinhua Photo)

President Hu, showing concern for the disaster-hit people, visited a local village to see whether people got their flood compensation.

Hu said the life of villagers was always on his mind. Villager Zheng Jichao told Hu that his family had built a new house and his life was guaranteed.

"Have you received the flood compensation fund yet?" Hu asked.

Zheng then showed him a red bankbook. Reading the entries marking the amount of money allocated each time for disaster victims, Hu smiled, "I feel great relieved after seeing this."

Hu carefully asked local official whether the villagers with houses damaged by floods had moved into new buildings, whether there were poor families that could not make ends meet, and whether the national agricultural policy of subsidizing crop-growing farmers and the purchase of farm machinery was well implemented.

Hu told villagers that the central and local government subsidies for the rural cooperative medical insurance system would be increased from 40 yuan (5.5 U.S. dollars) to 80 yuan per personas of this year to extend the coverage of medical scheme.

In the cold air, the Anhui native also visited local families in Hefei to inspect community services and learn of the life condition of locals. While leaving, Hu asked officials to ensure locals a warm Spring Festival.