A screenshot showing the unsafe Kaole Tunnel. (Screenshot/CCTV)
Authorities in Gansu Province are promising a "thorough investigation" in connection to a 1.57 billion yuan anti-poverty project.
The pledge comes after China Central Television (CCTV) exposed quality and safety problems in a tunnel on the high-cost highway.
The Kaole Tunnel is part of the Zheda Highway, a county highway linking the cities of Zheqiao and Dachuan in Gansu. The project was first launched under the goal of helping reduce poverty by facilitating local transportation and promoting regional development.
The tunnel was previously declared unsafe, and was ordered by State Bureau for Letters and Calls to undergo a complete rectification before November 28, 2017.
However, a report by CCTV has revealed that instead of being technically reinforced, the tunnel was simply repainted.
The CCTV report also claims those involved tried to silence the reporters investigating the case.
Provincial authorities in Gansu are now promising a "thorough investigation" into the case.
So far, 6 people exposed by CCTV for allegedly ducking their responsibilities have been suspended from their posts and are under investigation.
"We sincerely accept the criticism and supervision of the media and the public. We'll learn from the incident, deeply reflect and improve ourselves, in order to satisfy society in the future," reads the statement issued on the Gansu government's website.
