Local governments should accelerate efforts to accomplish goals regarding lifting their people out of poverty, Vice-Premier Wang Yang said during his visit to Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui autonomous region from Sept 21 to 23.

He visited places including villages whose residents had left their hometowns due to the uninhabitable conditions and homes of poor farmers. During his tour, Wang spoke with local residents, aiming to understand how they have managed to increase their income.

He said that local governments should make special plans to tackle poverty, and they should aim to relocate residents who live in unacceptable conditions, encourage them to stay in their new homes and assist them in improving their standard of living.

He also said local governments should enhance management of public funds to tackle poverty and prevent any waste or misuse, and they should also set a deadline concerning their task to tackle poverty — thus appropriately fulfilling their responsibilities.