On Aug 23, State Councilor Wang Yong, who is in charge of a nationwide overhaul of pipeline safety, called on regions and departments to reinforce the overhaul of pipelines to prevent fatal blasts, during his inspection to Northeast China’s Liaoning province. He also urged establishing a long-term mechanism, including safety supervision and prevention measures.

During his inspection, Wang looked into the overhaul of pipelines in populated areas such as residential areas, colleges, enterprises and institutions.

He spoke highly of the major progress made in the efforts while pointing out the weak links, and asked related departments to assume more responsibility in the pressing battle.

“The overhaul work has entered a critical moment, so regions and related departments should speed up their efforts, enhance supervision, and make clear who is in charge and timelines, in order to ensure the task will be finished on time and with high quality,” said the state councilor.

Meanwhile, he called for enhanced regular safety checks and maintenance, imposing severe punishments on illegal actions and preventing risks from natural disasters.

In addition, related departments should improve laws and regulations, while carrying out a management system covering each part of the work flow, from pipeline planning, site selection, design to routine maintenance, said Wang.