The projects are expected to ensure that water quality at the artery and main branches of the river is improved to the standard set by the government.

The projects cover treatment of sewage, garbage and industrial pollutants and pollution caused by water damming. They also aim to ensure supply of drinking water and ban the sale and use of phosphoric products.

Some 47 sewage treatment plants, together with related facilities, will cost 5.82 billion yuan (US$701 million) of the total investment.

The province will raise money through various non-governmental and industrial channels as well as from overseas to enhance local efforts in pollution control on the river.

(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2003)