THE city has invested 2.5 billion yuan improving the environment in rural areas since last year.

    The city will now focus on waste disposal as a way of continuing the process.

    An integrated waste collection and disposal is expected to cover more than 90 percent of the city’s rural households in 2013. By 2015, over 95 percent of waste from the city’s animal husbandry industry will be recycled.

    In addition, treatment of waste water is expected to be improved in the rural area. More than 50 percent of waste water in the rural area will be treated by 2015. Construction of public toilets will be pushed forward.

    The city will encourage the development of environmentally friendly agriculture to reduce pollution.

    Formula fertilization will be promoted.

    The city’s efforts to improve the rural environment were recognized by the environment ministry in its evaluation last month.

    (Li Hao, Shen Junlin)