Better houses, better lives: relocation brings happiness to villagers in Guangxi
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Du'an Yao Autonomous County is known as the "rocky kingdom," as 89 percent of its lands are covered by karst mountains.
Suffering from rocky desertification, Du'an has low agricultural yields. This, coupled with poor transportation, makes it one of the most impoverished counties in Guangxi.
Locals used to live deep in bare rock mountains without paved roads, tap water or electricity. They had to grow corn and rear livestock to sustain a meager living.
Since the long and bumpy journeys to the nearest hospital were costly, villagers were not even willing to see a doctor unless their healthy conditions became too critical.
Kids in the mountainous areas knew nothing about the outside world. They often played around in shabby clothes, without a kindergarten to go to. When they reached school age, they had to trek hours to attend classes.
For the people here living in inaccessible, uninhabitable and disaster-prone areas, relocation has become the last but also the most effective resort to relieve poverty.
By the end of 2019, a total of 20 poverty-relief resettlement sites had been constructed in the county, with more than 45,000 people relocated to new houses in towns with convenient traffic, better environment and modern facilities.
Each family was provided a house with electricity, gas, tap water and flush toilets. The relocation communities were also equipped with all sorts of infrastructure including clinics, kindergartens, schools, basketball courts and service centers.
Improved healthcare makes it easier for people to seek medical help if they don't feel good. With new homes being closer to schools, children no longer have to trudge a long distance for schooling.
A view of a poverty-relief resettlement site in Xia'ao Town of Du'an County.
Restaurants, hair salons and grocery stores have mushroomed in the relocation sites. Workshops have been established nearby and public welfare centers have been offered, which enabled the relocated residents to work at their doorsteps.
In the future, the county will make further efforts in developing specialty industries and labor-intensive sectors to help the relocated improve their living conditions.
Villager Zhang Meixiang and her children pose for a photo in front of their new house at a poverty-relief resettlement site in Xia'ao Town of Du'an County.
A view of a poverty-relief resettlement site in Xia'ao Town of Du'an County.
Children have fun at a poverty-relief resettlement site in Xia'ao Town of Du'an County.
Young villager Meng Huan (R) and her cousin Wei Yuyan have fun at Meng’s new home at a poverty-relief resettlement site in Dongmiao Town of Du'an County.
An aerial view of a poverty-relief resettlement site in Dongmiao Town of Du'an County.
Children have fun at a poverty-relief resettlement site in Sanzhiyang Town of Du'an County.
An aerial view of a poverty-relief resettlement site in Xia'ao Town of Du'an County.
Children walk past a basketball court at a poverty-relief resettlement site in Xia'ao Town of Du'an County.
Children have fun at a poverty-relief resettlement site in Dongmiao Town of Du'an County.
Zhou Hua
Born on Oct. 24, 1977, Zhou Hua has been working as photojournalist at Xinhua News Agency Guangxi Branch since July 2001. His coverage focuses on poverty-relief efforts, the Belt and Road Initiative and other human development issues.
Lu Boan
Lu Boan was born in August 1976, and began working as photojournalist at Xinhua News Agency Guangxi Branch in December 2011. He spends most of his time photographing rural teachers and the development of ethnic cultures.
Cao Yiming
Born on May 22, 1991, Cao Yiming has been working as photojournalist at Xinhua News Agency Guangxi Branch since July 2016. His coverage focuses on key architectural projects, poverty-relief efforts, rural entrepreneurs, rural doctors and the ethnic cultures.
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