Holding on to the rains

A rainstorm caused chaos in Beijing on June 23 paralyzing the city's traffic and turning the city's underpasses into treacherous hazards for drivers.

In the wake of the torrential rains that have hit the city this summer the municipal authority indicated on July 18 that the drainage systems of all underpasses in Beijing will be improved and underground catchment facilities will be constructed to collect rainwater.

Water is an extremely precious resource for Beijing, and this is an applaudable change of mindset by the authorities who used to regard rainwater as wastewater destined for the sewers.