China is now making plans for the post-quake reconstruction. And in the worst-hit county of Beichuan, the whole project is expected to be completed within three years.
Li Xiaohong, President of China Academy of Urban Planning & Design
On Saturday, a team of experts inspected the county, where about 70 percent of building collapsed. They are seeking a new site to rebuild Beichuan. The county originally lay directly over a geological fracture zone, some 90 kilometers from Wenchuan, the quake's epicenter. Experts do not recommend rebuilding at the original location.
During the inspection, the experts also discussed plans for a monument to commemorate the May 12th earthquake to be erected at the county's original location.
Li Xiaohong, President of China Academy of Urban Planning & Design said "We are trying to find a location with a better environment, a place for steady economic growth. There are limited natural resources here, so some people may be relocated to other places due to environmental sustainability. Beichuan is the only Autonomous County of the Qiang ethnic group. And we will preserve their ethnic culture in the construction of the new Beichuan."
(CCTV June 10, 2008)