国内英语新闻:Residential houses priority for Yushu post-quake reconstruction

BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government has given priority to the rebuilding and repairing of residential houses during post-quake reconstruction in northwestern Yushu.

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwest China's Qinghai Province on April 14, leaving at least 2,200 dead.

"Houses that are repaired must be repaired in a timely manner. For those that are to be rebuilt, residents' wishes regarding house style must be respected," the statement released after a regular State Council meeting on Wednesday said.

The statement noted the difficulties the reconstruction work faces: cold weather, low oxygen-levels, a fragile ecosystem, and inadequate construction resources.

According to the statement, the country plans to spend three years finishing the "main reconstruction task."

The government vowed to build the "safest and most stable" schools and hospitals in the quake zone while protecting local ethnic and religious cultural heritage.