Three Gorges challenges to linger

The country will face serious challenges in managing the Three Gorges dam project after work on it ends next year, the official in charge of the project has said.

Wang Xiaofeng, director of the office of the State Council Three Gorges Project Construction Committee, said the challenges involved the "arduous task" of improving conditions for the 1.1 million people who have been relocated for the project, protecting the environment and controlling geological disasters around the dam.

"All the tasks are long-term ones that will exist after the project is finished in 2009," he said.