Visionary reconstruction

Reconstruction plans for quake-hit Yu- shu county in Qinghai province will soon be presented to the State Council for approval. Efforts will shift from rescue and relief work to the building of new homes for victims displaced by the April 14 disaster.

If saving lives and helping victims test the government's capability to deal with emergencies, what will be needed in the road ahead are sensible planning, visionary policies and the efficient use of funds and materials in efforts to build new homes for Yushu's residents.

Reconstruction planners will have to consider every possibility that could jeopardize their work. The location of new buildings must be carefully chosen and their quality must be guaranteed so that they can resist strong earthquakes. The style of the structures must be in line with local Tibetan characteristics so that they can match the culture and tradition.