THE city vowed Friday to improve its environment and appearance to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of the special economic zone and the 2011 Summer Universiade.

According to a plan released Friday, nearly 20 roads in eight districts were chosen for landscaping and will be finished by the end of August. Facelifts and roof reconstruction will also be carried out on selected buildings.

According to Wu Zijun, chief of Shenzhen Urban Administration, some districts began road decoration, landscaping and building renovation projects in October last year.

Significant improvements are expected to be seen by August when the anniversary begins, officials with the city's environment authority said.

Meanwhile, the urban administration will also tighten penalties on illegal outdoor advertisements, such as advertising stickers on building walls and lampposts. The city will put an emphasis on fire precautions within urban villages to ensure safety and improve sanitation and the environment.

At Friday's meeting, Liu Yupu, the city's Party chief, and Acting Mayor Wang Rong said improving the city's look and environment were important steps in building the city into an international metropolis.

Source:Shenzhen Daily