All rural town in China will have access to asphalt roads by the year 2010 as part of an ambitious government plan to improve rural infrastructure.

All villages in eastern and central areas and well-qualified villages in less dynamic western areas will be connected by roads by the end of the2006-2010 period, the central authorities say in the first major policy document of 2006 issued on Tuesday.

Measures should be taken to ensure safe drinking water for farmers and spread the use of clean energies, says the document, adding that marsh gas should be used by more rural households.

Rural power grids will also be upgraded and more small hydropower stations be built in rural areas.

While promoting agricultural information infrastructure, radio and TV service will be available in villages, says the document.

During the development, farmers are encouraged to invest and provide labor service voluntarily.

Source: Xinhua