(6 November 2008, Hong Kong) Apart from Sichuan Province, the 5.12 disastrous earthquake also caused serious damages to its neighboring Gansu Province. Many mud-built houses constructed during 50s’ and 60’s collapsed in the disaster and students had to move to temporary tents and buildings for schooling. All these have led to the urgency of the rehabilitation in the region.

More than 2,000 houses to be rebuilt with designed staff to monitor
After conducting thorough field visits and assessments, the Hong Kong Red Cross (HKRC) has decided to mobilize RMB 75 million for the rehabilitation projects in Chengxian and Lixian counties which suffered the most in Gansu during the disaster. The present rehabilitation plan includes the reconstruction of 2,835 houses in 78 villages, 5 township clinics, 72 village clinics, 6 township/village schools and community facilities. HKRC International and Relief Service Management Committee Member Mr. John Ng (right), Gansu Province Longnan Municipal Vice-Mayor Ms Yang Qiuhong, and Gansu Provincial Red Cross Vice President Mr. Li Yutang, signed the agreement for the rehabilitation projects today. Following the Foundation Laying Ceremony of HKRC-funded Leiba Township Central Primary School held today, the whole rehabilitation operation in Gansu is launched as well.

To ensure the construction quality of all rehabilitation projects met with the government standard and to make good use of the donations, all projects would be monitored by HKRC employed engineer. Upon the completion of the reconstruction works, independent international auditing firm would be secured to review the projects while the HKRC would continue to send its staff to follow-up and monitor the work progress closely. 

About Gansu
Peasants of Gansu were comparatively poor and were ranked the poorest among all provinces in terms of peasant annual income in 2007.  Harsh natural environment, persistent drought and low harvest have hindered the peasants in breaking the cycle of poverty.  5.12 earthquake led the poor Gansu peasants to a more severe situation.

Photo captions

"Foundation”:Today (6 November 2008), Mr. John Ng, HKRC International and Relief Service Management Committee Member officiates the Foundation Laying Ceremony of HKRC-funded Leiba Township Central Primary School Rehabilitation Project, representing the commencement of all HKRC supported rehabilitation projects in Gansu.

"Signature”:HKRC International and Relief Service Management Committee Member Mr. John Ng (right) and Gansu Provincial Red Cross Vice President Mr. Li Yutang, signed the agreement for the rehabilitation projects in Gansu today (6 November 2008).

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