The headquarters for quake-relief command of the State Council, China's Cabinet, on Thursday called for priority in reconstructing public facilities such as schools and hospitals in the country's southwestern quake-hit region.

At a regular meeting presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao, the headquarters clarified the main tasks of the relief and reconstruction in the quake-hit zone, giving priority to rebuilding and quality of public facilities that were closely related to the lives of local residents.

Reconstruction should also pay great attention to the preservation of traditional and cultural relics.

When the local governments help farmers rebuild homes, officials should fully respect their will and mobilize more social aid, as well as governmental subsidies, the headquarters ordered.

It suggested that those involved in the rebuilding of transport, communication, energy and other infrastructure should first resume their operation and properly arrange their location in accordance with local geological conditions.

Many factories, arable land and farmer's crops were damaged by the devastating May 12 quake that killed nearly 70,000. The headquarters stressed the seriously-destroyed factories be rearranged to resume production in new sites and for the recovery of local agriculture as soon as possible.

It reminded all quake-relief officials the reconstruction would be long-term and a tough task for governments as it required scientific planning and an orderly procedure.

(Xinhua News Agency June 27, 2008)