aspects of the situation, which could be regarded as prime elements of planning. These four aspects included evaluation of the earthquake, evaluation of geological damage, evaluation of the resource and environment and the opinions of people living in quake-hit areas.

Since time was limited we had to make plans in the process of getting the necessary information. Normally, we would make a general plan before the specific plans, but in this case we must make all the plans at the same time.

We have modified the plan more than 20 times. We have collected materials of almost 150 million words in order to make a proper plan. Some of the materials are about people's experience in fighting against earthquakes and related scientific results from other parts of the world.

Is there still a large shortfall in the reconstruction funds of Sichuan? If so, how will you solve this problem?

Actually, we do have a shortfall in the reconstruction funds. According to the latest research, 39 counties in Sichuan suffered a total loss of 1.2 trillion yuan ($176 billion). While the Central Government allocated 70 billion yuan ($10 billion), and there were donations from other sources, the total amount of funds is just 120 billion yuan ($17.6 billion). Obviously, this is far from enough.

In order to solve this problem, Sichuan Provincial Government is planning to take various measures. Specifically, we will adopt bank loans with the government paying the interest for three years for the reconstruction of houses for quake victims and enterprises. Besides, as well as introducing preferential policies to encourage donations, we will also establish aid funds and special bonds, cooperation bonds and lotteries to raise money. Another important measure is to mobilize people in quake-hit areas to rely on themselves and adopt step-by-step reconstruction.

How will you ensure the efficient usage of the post-earthquake reconstruction funds and effectively prevent corruption?

How to effectively utilize and manage the reconstruction funds is a key aspect of the post-earthquake plan. We are using several methods. Firstly, we have strengthened the supervision of the entire process of using reconstruction funds; secondly, we have enhanced transparency in using the funds and involved many common people in the inspection and decision-making process; thirdly, we have strengthened management of the funds by inspecting every link in the use of them; and finally, we have established an evaluation system for the efficient use of funds and have made it an important factor in local officials' merit system.