The expert panel of a committee specializing in checking dam projects under the State Council made the announcement at the construction site in Yichang city, Hubei Province.

A group of 47 experts made the decision after making careful evaluations of the reservoir and ship lock from May 13 to 21.

According to the plan, the water level of the reservoir will be raised to 135 meters by June 15 and the 6.4-km-long ship lock will begin trials from June 16 for an unspecified period.

Two power generating units, each with a capacity of 700,000 kilowatts, will be put into operation in August and another two will be in use in October.

The whole project is expected to be completed in 2009.

(People’s Daily May 22, 2003)