President Hu: Coal supply is priority

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-01-2008 08:15

Chinese leaders have gone on inspection tours around the country as workers struggle to repair problems caused by the harsh weather conditions. In the latest, President Hu Jintao called on coal producers to ensure essential supplies.

Chinese President Hu Jintao asks the miners to produce as  much coal as they could safely to provide more fuel for  generating electricity amid a nation-wide shortage. (Xinhua Photo)

The unprecedented disaster in southern China has severely affected people's lives. The coal supply is now at a critical level. This is also the biggest concern for President Hu Jintao, who is on an inspection tour to Shanxi Province and Qinhuangdao Port.

In Shanxi, Hu Jintao urged local authorities to put people's interests first, and to take measures to guarantee the steady and rapid development of the economy.

The first priority right now is to restore transportation links and power supply.

Hu Jintao said the quality of coal must not suffer. The president emphasized that coal production should be increased, and coal transport should be well organized to meet demand by major electricity plants. Safety is also essential to prevent supply being slowed by accidents.

The Datong coal mine is well known for the quality of its products, and it provides energy for a lot of the country's major electricity plants.

Hu Jintao expressed his gratitude to local workers who have been working overtime to guarantee coal supply. He went 400 meters underground to greet the workers.

Hu Jintao said, "We all know that the snow storms in our country's southern provinces have been severe and have had a severe impact on the daily lives of the people in those areas. Those people need coal and power plants need coal. They need coal to generate energy and return to normality. So the country needs you to work hard here to help our compatriots get through the difficulties brought on by the bad weather and have a good Spring Festival. But do make sure that you all work safely."