Land is being acquired to build a new capital city in Beichuan County, the worst-hit area in last year's earthquake in Sichuan Province.

More than 10,000 people, mostly farmers, are the first to be relocated as an industrial park began construction last Thursday in their hometown. These people will become residents of the new city, said Chen Xingchun, Party chief of Beichuan.

The land acquisition is expected to be completed within two months. Residents will be paid 40 yuan (US$6) a month to live with relatives or friends until the new city is finished.

"The local government also provides training so that they can work in factories in the new city," Chen said. "We must ensure that people can live a stable and rich life in the future."

Li Gang, a villager of Huangtu Township, part of which will be included into the city, said: "The construction of the new city will change our living environment and living styles. It is good for us, so we support it."

All of the relocated will be given the choice of a free 35-square-meter home or 36,000 yuan to build their own houses, Chen said.

The former capital of Beichuan, on the juncture of two fault lines, was leveled in the devastating May 12 quake, which left 69,000 people dead and 374,000 injured.

The new city will be located to the east of Anchang Township, about 35 kilometers from where it once stood. Officials and planning experts said the new site has good geologic conditions, far from fault lines, and sufficient usable land.

The new city is expected to have 50,000 residents in three years and 85,000 by 2020.

The first phase includes public welfare facilities, government headquarters and housing.

(Xinhua News Agency February 9, 2009)