This undated photo shows an aerial view of the second phase of the Sunhe township shanty house renovation project in Beijing. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

China Construction First Group Corp Ltd (CCFGC) is undertaking in the capital city's Chaoyang district the second phase of the Sunhe township shanty house renovation project, which, at 1.15 million square meters in all, is not only the largest resettlement housing program under construction in Beijing but also a returnee-driven project.

CCFGC is a subsidiary of China State Construction Engineering Corp or CSCEC, the nation's largest construction company.

The project is slated to be completed in 2022. The launch of the second phase in Beijing last week attracted construction teams, local government officials and a special delegation of future residents.

According to CSCEC, the second phase of the Sunhe township shanty house renovation project has total construction area of about 550,000 sq m. After completion, 3,677 returnees can be resettled. The overall project will house more than 7,000 returnees after completion.

CSCEC is known for being instrumental in China's decadeslong battle against absolute poverty, which ended successfully last year.

CCFGC is executing the key livelihood project in Beijing whose first phase began in 2018.

According to China State Construction Engineering Corp (CSCEC), the second phase of the Sunhe township shanty house renovation project has total construction area of about 550,000 sq m. After completion, 3,677 returnees can be resettled. The overall project will house more than 7,000 returnees after completion

It was part of a joint move to promote livelihoods of local residents living in shanty houses. The local government and contracted construction firms such as CSCEC teamed up for the project.

Li Zuoming, a former resident who was relocated to facilitate the renovation but will return once the project is completed, said: "We were invited by the construction firm to view the site in person instead of just watching photos and videos. We were encouraged to offer feedback on the houses where we will live in eventually."

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The project is located near an expressway leading to Beijing Capital International Airport. Original residents used to find the almost nonstop noise of aircraft landing and taking off a nuisance.

"Based on our views, the construction firm decided to install three-layered windows with advanced materials, which virtually soundproof the flats, besides hopefully keeping the homes warm during winters. We were invited to see in-field fire tests. We residents would like to believe we will get to live in very safe and sound homes soon", Li said.

Wu Aiguo, head of CCFGC, said during the second phase launch event: "The project is another key move pulling us closer to who we are building for. We invited attention from the media, the local government and most importantly the residents on the construction so as to have better knowledge about the demands, and use our solutions to promote their livelihoods in a better way.

"A key word highlighted in every construction blueprint is 'quality'. We set ratings for each livelihood project with detailed standards, and among ratings of our projects, only those with the best quality, earlier completion dates and more awards for environmental protection can get top ratings. And the Sunhe project is heading toward the top level."

Ge Hao, deputy government head of the Sunhe township, said: "The open event is an innovative and heartwarming move by the company, and should be promoted among other companies, as it can help solve real pains of people and provide real benefits. In addition, such events can connect not only the government and the company but also people with each other."

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Apart from the Sunhe project, 264 livelihoods projects undertaken by CCFGC were also unveiled during the open event. The projects cover subsidized housing, environmental protection, infrastructure and construction projects for schools and hospitals.