Tianjin will improve the living and commercial environment at the site of the explosion in the city, said a local official on January 19.

During China’s 13th Five Year Plan (2016-20), the Tianjin Economic Development Area (TEDA) will reconstruct the blast site, said Wang Sheng, director of the TEDA administration Committee, adding that damaged buildings and facilities will be repaired and renovated at a faster pace.

Wang said that public facilities --- including the TEDA Football Stadium and the convention center --- will be put into better use to create a high-quality living and commercial environment for local dwellers.

Great progress was made in the initial stage of reconstruction and rehabilitation, said Wang, adding that “no secondary disasters, mass social disturbances and suspension or relocation of factories occurred after the blast”.

Catastrophic explosions happened at midnight on Aug 12,2015 in Tianjin where large amounts of toxic chemicals were stored in warehouses including around 700 tons of sodium cyanide. The blast claimed 173 lives, including 104 firefighters.

Comprehensive inspections will be carried out in construction sites, including the twenty-nine residential compounds and seven white-and-blue collar apartment buildings. Hazardous chemical residue within two miles of the blast center will also be tested.

Media reports say that an improved environmental monitoring system is expected and around-the-clock water and air quality monitoring indices will open to the public.

Negotiations on the reconstruction are going smoothly between local authorities and residents. According to the agreement, citizens who have suffered losses in the explosion can have their homes repaired or replaced.