Construction of the world's largest hydro-power project at the
Three Gorges in central China's Hubei Province has entered the
final year sprint, with the installation of remaining power
generators ahead, said the construction undertaker.
Cao Guangjing, deputy manager of the China Yangtze River Three Gorges Project Development
Corporation (CYRTGPDC) told Xinhua Thursday that the work schedule
for this year has been finalized and submitted to authorities for
approval.
"The main work of the hydro-power construction would be ready
for state checks by the end of 2008," said Cao.
Cao said that the water level of the reservoir will be raised to
175 meters for the first time in September this year, enabling it
to exert a more decisive role in flood control.
All of the 12 turbines on the right bank of the gigantic Three
Gorges project will be installed and put into use by December,
leaving behind only works of affiliated projects, such as the
installation of shiplifts and the building of an underground power
workshop, scheduled for completion in 2014 and 2010, respectively,
said Cao.
The concrete placement of the 2,309 meters long and 185 meters
high main dam was completed in May 2006, when Cao announced that
all of the construction milestone throughout the project had been
met ahead of schedule, making it possible for the entire project to
be completed a year earlier than the scheduled 2009.
The US$22.5-billion project is the world's largest water control
project, which recruited 26,000 people, including professionals and
specialists from 50-odd countries and regions, at the peak of its
construction.
"Not many earthworks are left. Most of the workers have departed
the construction site. There are less than 2,000 workers here now,"
said Cao.
(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2008)
