Bridge destroyed for world's biggest dam

A bridge in southwest China has been blown apart to make way for another stage of the monumental Three Gorges Project.

Three years away from completion, the project tames China's longest river, the Yangtze, and will end with the commissioning of the world's mightiest dam - a 2309m long, 185m high structure with 26 power generators and a 600km long reservoir.

Such is the scale of the lake that an estimated 1.2 million people are being resettled. Archaeologists and historians estimate nearly 1300 important sites will disappear beneath its waters.

The project, which has involved 250,000 workers, includes a system of giant locks which will allow ocean-going ships to sail 2400km inland to Chongqing, where the bridge was demolished.

China hopes the combination of inexpensive electricity and good river access will further open the region to investment and create a major business centre.

The dam has been criticised for causing social upheaval and environmental hazards - which has not been lost on China's leadership.

In early 1999 Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji inspected the dam site and warned the builders that "the responsibility on your shoulders is heavier than a mountain". Two out of the three phases of its construction are complete and 14 of the giant turbines have been in operation since last week. When completed the dam will generate nearly 10 per cent of China's power - and mean the country burns less coal.

- AGENCIES