"People in the old revolutionary bases once made great contributions to the Chinese revolution; we should strive to help them lead a well-off life, especially for those facing water shortage problems," said Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Hu made the remarks during an inspection tour to Baita village, Yilong County of southwest China's Sichuan Province Saturday.

Farmers in Yilong County have suffered severe water shortages. At the beginning of 2004, a report showed that 260,000 local people and 250,000 head of livestock ran short of drinking water.

Hu made instructions to tackle the issue at that time. After his instruction and local government's efforts over the past several months, the difficulty has been much improved.

At Baita village, Hu learned that Yilong County has mapped out a timetable for the problem. Local government is committed to solving the drinking water problem for 260,000 people within two years and solve the water shortage for production within five years.

Hu visited some water projects in the village, to find them going pretty well. While talking to farmers, Hu also reassured them that the central government's policy toward farmers in taxation would be stable.

Hu urged local cadres to do practical things of immediate concern in the old revolutionary base areas and lead the people to create a better life.

(Xinhua News Agency August 17, 2004)