Construction sites work on despite ban

Dust pollution is still a big threat to Beijing's air quality as 16 concrete mixing plants and construction sites were still working on Monday despite the ban by the capital's government during the APEC meetings, the city's environmental protection bureau said on Monday.

Mounds of materials were found exposed without the covers that prevent the dust from getting into the air, and seven mixing plants were still working during an inspection by the bureau.

In a recent document from the bureau, dust was listed as one of the four major sources of particulate pollution, known as PM2.5, in Beijing, along with vehicle exhaust, burning coal and industrial production.

To reduce dust and other air pollutants, Beijing required all constructions sites to suspend work that may produce dust on Monday until the APEC meetings end on Nov 11.

All construction sites found violating the ban will be barred from bidding on projects for two months and receive a large fine, said the Beijing Commission of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

Beijing has taken multiple measures to reduce air pollutant emissions, such as restricting use of private vehicles, and the air quality has improved, with the index being only 26 at 3 pm on Monday.

The good air quality has been warmly received by residents, who have been calling for tough control of the pollution sources, but workers and construction companies have mixed feelings about the strict ban.

"We informed investors about special occasions like this when construction is affected," said Fei Mingxiang, head of a construction site in the Fengtai district, adding that the investors had to accept the extended building period.

But workers may be unhappy. They earn about 200 yuan ($33) per day and only receive half their daily wages if work is suspended, Fei said.

To control air pollutant emissions, Hebei province also has adopted similar measures by ordering 2,445 construction sites to suspend their work during the period.

The Hebei provincial government has started inspections to guarantee the implementation of the strict bans, thus ensuring air pollutants are reduced.

Contact the writer at zhengjinran@chinadaily.com.cn