The Beijing Development and Reform Commission said Thursday that Beijing is to speed up its environmental protection and infrastructure projects this year in preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
Wang Haiping, vice director of the commission said, “we will invest 250 million yuan and will try to attract another 100 million yuan from the non-government sector. He said the funds will be used in the environmental management of rivers and forests around Beijing.
Wang added, “in order to create a good environment for the Olympic Games, we will also strengthen the weak points in the construction of infrastructure”.
A number of new motorways will be constructed, including a new expressway linking the city to Beijing international airport. Environmental monitoring in Beijing will also be strengthened, particularly in areas near the Olympic venue, said Wang.
Beijing will also promote the use of renewable energy such as thermal power, solar power and biomass energy.
More than 2,000 boilers that formerly burnt coal are being converted to using clear energy this year.
Meanwhile, China will use 380,000 metric tons of steel or 0.1 per cent of its output last year to build stadiums and gymnasiums for the 2008 Games, according to the China Iron and Steel Association Web site.
Seven steel makers have been selected to supply the steel for these building projects.
Also, according to sources at a Sino-French first aid forum held Sunday, Beijing is planning to overhaul its emergency medical service for the 2008 Games and will spend $400 million on upgrading its medical infrastructure and renewing the medical equipment between now and 2008. Emergency service outlets will be arranged in 132 communities in Beijing.
Four hundred new ambulances will be added and helicopter-based emergency medical services will begin, Beijing Emergency Medical Center officials announced.
Sports venues, major media centres and the Olympic Village will be fitted with medical equipment, which can be used round-the-clock and for emergency service.
According to sources at the forum, special mechanism will be built to conveniently transfer sick and injured athletes abroad.
