Li has questioned why Ruihai Logistics was not supervised properly by multiple government departments for such a long period. (Photo : www.scmp.com)
In a report by China Daily, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang condemned the deadly blasts in Tianjin Port and called on authorities to penalize those responsible.
"We should learn the lessons from the accident and lives should not be lost in vain," said Li during a meeting with officials in charge with the investigation of the incident.
According to findings by the investigative team, Ruihai Logistics, the company at the center of the accident, had violated regulations for storing and transporting dangerous chemical substances.
Officials also found out that prior to getting a license to operate in June, the company had been illegally conducting business for two years.
Li questioned why the company was not supervised properly by multiple government departments for such a long period. He further added that those found to be corrupt or negligent in their duties must be punished with zero tolerance.
The report also cites Li urging local government entities to mitigate the negative environmental effects caused by the chemical blast and to ensure the soil, air and water do not exceed in the allowable number of pollutants.
Aside from providing compensation packages for affected residents, the government, through the Housing Management Department in the Tianjin Binhai New Area, has offered state-owned property developers the opportunity to buy damaged apartments in seven residential compounds.
With a relatively higher price than the initial purchase price or market value prior to the accident, properties are encouraged to be sold by their owners.
Cui Zianfeng spent around 810,000 yuan three years ago on an apartment in Vanke Haigangcheng, which is 700 meters away from the blast. If he chooses to sell, he can gain 1.35 million yuan with an additional 10,000 yuan for damaged furniture.
