The municipal government of Shanghai plans to turn the city an "oriental water metropolis" with an investment of 50 billion yuan (US$6 billion) over the next five years, according to Zhang Jiayi, director of the Shanghai Water Works Bureau.

Shanghai's aim of becoming a world-class modern city in the new century means construction will focus on enhancing urban functions and optimizing business and living environments, among which a key project is the protection and development of water environment.

Part of the project entails in corporating the city's water systems into its scenery development. In 2003, Shanghai will build water rings linking Dianpuhe River to Suzhouhe River and Huangpujiang River via Xinjing Port and West River, developing them as new scenic spots combining ecological sightseeing, tourism and shopping, said Zhang.

Shanghai has also launched rebuilding projects targeting its six large water treatment plants in an effort to improve the quality of urban drinking water. In addition, it will also annex about 50 township-level water factories and update 1,000 kilometers of urban water pipelines.

Zhang also pointed out two basic prerequisites for building a "water city" -- water pollution control and flood prevention.

During the following five years, Shanghai will raise its handling capacity of polluted water to 75 percent. Black and odorous water in the city's central river courses will also be cleared up.

The city will also make efforts to ensure formation of ponds in urban areas resulting from rainfall are within drainage standards. Sea and river embankments will also be reinforced

(Xinhua News Agency February 14, 2003)