A Tale of Two Cities Supporting Xinjiang

The issue of environmental protection investment for Qianquan Lake has been resolved, but new challenges have arisen.

The geological exploration team had previously stated that there was a large area of ​​active quicksand around Qianquan Lake, making the construction of underground water pipelines extremely risky. It could easily lead to landslides. A similar problem occurred when the irrigation canal was being built last time, and the project had to be suspended for rectification.

Yang Zhitong knew this was a crucial step in advancing the project, so he immediately contacted geological experts in Liaoning, explaining in detail the geological conditions of Qianquan Lake, the requirements for pipeline construction, and the difficulties encountered, and sincerely invited them to conduct an on-site inspection in Xinjiang.

"Experts, this matter concerns the livelihoods of hundreds of herders and the success or failure of the project. Please, you must help us!"

A few days later, the three geological experts arrived in Xinjiang.

Yang Zhitong personally picked them up and took them all over the Gobi Desert and pastures around Qianquan Lake. He explained in detail the quicksand problem they encountered during their first aid mission to Xinjiang, as well as the specific requirements for this pipeline construction.

During the day, the experts braved the scorching sun to conduct on-site investigations and collect soil samples. At night, they stayed up late to analyze the data. Combining their years of geological experience with Yang Zhitong's previous experience in aiding Xinjiang, they repeatedly demonstrated and finally developed a technical solution of "straw sand fixation + segmented construction".

"The area around Qianquan Lake is rich in straw resources. We can use straw mixed with local sand to make sand-stabilizing agent, first stabilize the active quicksand layer, and then advance the pipeline construction in sections. We can reinforce it in time after each section is advanced. This is safe and efficient, and we can also use local materials to save costs."

Faced with the clear plan on the blueprints, Yang Zhitong was overjoyed. He quickly contacted the construction team and asked them to prepare equipment and materials so that they could start construction as soon as possible.

To his surprise, just as the construction team arrived at Qianquan Lake, Abduja Token arrived with a dozen or so herders, each carrying a shovel and a hoe, their faces beaming with smiles.

"Director Yang, although we don't understand the technology, we have plenty of strength. You are building the pipeline for our own good, and we would like to lend a hand."

"Even if I can help move things, clean up the site, or lend you a hand, it will be good so that we can have the pipeline built sooner and feel at ease sooner."

Yang Zhitong felt a warmth in his heart and quickly stepped forward to grasp Abduja Token's hand: "Thank you, Uncle, thank you everyone. With your help, we will definitely be able to build the pipeline as soon as possible!"

To Yang Zhitong's surprise, Aikber Miti also brought several security guards who had resigned with him.

He walked up to Yang Zhitong, scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly, and said, "Director Yang, I was too impulsive before. I said things I shouldn't have said without understanding the situation, and I even led the trouble. Please don't take it to heart."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "I heard that you are short-handed here, and I would like to try to participate in the pipeline construction and learn some skills from the technicians."

If we do well, could you train us to become skilled workers? We also want stable jobs so we don't have to keep moving around and can take care of our families.

"Welcome. What happened before is in the past, let's not dwell on it. As long as you're willing to learn and work hard, I guarantee I'll train you all to become key technical personnel. Once the project is completed, you'll all be heroes here, and things will definitely get better and better!"

Upon hearing this, Aikber Miti and his brothers beamed with joy. They quickly grabbed their tools and surrounded the construction team's technicians, asking them all sorts of questions: "Master, how do you use this machine?"

How can I securely connect this pipe joint?

How should sand-stabilizing agents be mixed to make them effective?

……

The construction site has completely changed. The tense atmosphere from before has vanished, and busy figures are everywhere.

Han Chinese cadres ran around with blueprints in hand, while local herders rolled up their sleeves to move steel and carry cement. Even Aikber Miti, who had previously led the resignation, joined the team with a few old friends and was learning pipe welding from the technicians.

"Hey, this sand-stabilizing agent looks unremarkable, but if you mix it with straw and spread it in the sand, will it really prevent collapse?"

Aikber Miti squatted on the ground and poked the newly solidified sand layer with his hand, looking surprised.

The technicians explained with a smile, "This was specifically developed for quicksand layers. It can bind loose sand into clumps, making it absolutely safe to bury pipes underneath. It's much stronger than the previous irrigation canals!"

Aikber Miti nodded, sparks flying from his welding torch. "Then I'll have to learn it well. With this skill, I won't have to make a living picking cotton anymore."

On the other side, Uncle Abduja Token was leading several herders to clear the construction site. The old man was full of energy, swinging his shovel very fast.

"Director Yang said this pipe won't block our irrigation canal and will still ensure watering, so we have to do a good job!"

Yang Zhitong, dressed in dusty work clothes and holding a boxed lunch, squatted on the construction site, eating and chatting with the workers.

"I just received a message from General Manager Zhao that the environmental protection equipment is already on its way, and the wastewater treatment pond is also under construction. We will absolutely not pollute Qianquan Lake anymore."

"Very good!"

The herdsman next to him immediately chimed in, "As long as the lake is safe, our sheep will always have clean water to drink, and our crops will grow well."

Yang Zhitong took a bite of rice and then instructed, "Everyone, be careful while you're working. If you don't understand something, ask the technicians. Don't try to figure it out on your own. We'll work in sections and try to lay the pipes as soon as possible so that irrigation isn't delayed."

Zhang Pengfei, who had previously tried to obstruct the project at every turn out of fear of taking risks, now felt increasingly uneasy as he stared at the project progress reports every day.

That afternoon, Zhang Pengfei made a special trip to the construction site and saw Yang Zhitong adjusting the pipe interface with a herdsman from afar. His face was covered in sweat, but he was smiling very contentedly.

"Director Yang, are you busy?"

Yang Zhitong turned around and saw him, paused for a moment, then smiled and greeted him, "Section Chief Zhang, what brings you here?"

With obvious apology on his face, Zhang Pengfei rubbed his hands and said, "I was too confused before. I was only focused on my own performance and afraid of taking risks, which caused you a lot of trouble. Please don't take it to heart."

"Hey, why bring up the past!"

Yang Zhitong extended his hand, "We're all doing this for work, and we all want this place to get better and better. I'm glad you understand. We can discuss anything together in the future."

Their hands clasped tightly together, and the previous misunderstanding vanished instantly.

Looking at the bustling construction site, Zhang Pengfei remarked, "You're right. We can't touch the red line for arable land, nor can we ignore the people's needs. As long as we find the right approach, we can always achieve the best of both worlds. If you need my cooperation in the future, just let me know, and I will give my full support."

Just then, Abduja Token's son came running over excitedly, a payslip in hand, his face beaming: "Director Yang, Section Chief Zhang! Look, this is my first month's salary!"

"From now on, I'm a full-time employee on the project, with all the benefits of social insurance and housing fund. I don't have to rely on luck anymore; finally, there's hope for the future!"

Seeing the young man's excited expression, Zhang Pengfei felt even worse. He turned to Yang Zhitong and said, "You really have a way. You managed to save the farmland and give the herders a stable income. I'm impressed."

Yang Zhitong smiled and waved his hand: "This is not my achievement alone, but the result of everyone's joint efforts."

Mr. Zhao also kept his promise, not only increasing environmental protection investment but also hiring 20 local herders. From now on, our project will truly be a project that benefits the people.