PRC launches second phase of arid land irrigation project

China has launched the second phase of a major project to divert water from the Yangtze River to the Huaihe River. The builders of the canal between the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers, a total length of some 700 kilometres, plan to supply 15 cities in Anhui and Henan provinces with water. Completion of the construction will be a powerful boost for the development of the entire region of 50 million people.

"The length of the route used to transport water between the cities of Huainan and Wuhu in Anhui province will be reduced from 645 kilometres to 330 kilometres. At the same time, the project will replenish the water supply in Chaohu Lake by more than 500 million cubic meters per year, which will help increase the flow of water to the lake areas and restore the lake's ecology. The project is of great significance to optimize the integrated transportation system in Anhui province and boost its economic development," said Chen Jianfeng, a spokesman for the engineering company.

The drainage project is said to be the largest of its kind ever undertaken in China. Several technological breakthroughs have been achieved in the construction process.

"The technology of segmented concrete casting using mobile aggregates has made it possible to set a record for China - for the first time a 15-metre-high structure has been cast in a single cycle. This technology has advantages over traditional methods, as it ensures the integrity and durability of the structure, avoids cracks and differences in wall colour during multiple pours, and increases construction efficiency. It has been used for the first time in the history of hydraulic engineering construction in Anhui province," said Liu Qun, secretary of the party committee of the shipping lock reconstruction project.

The project started in 2016, with the first phase completed in 2022. The second phase is scheduled to be completed by December this year, as reported by CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

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