HARBIN: Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, began supplying heating to its residents on Saturday, four days earlier than usual, as temperatures dropped sharply from Friday, the city’s housing and urban-rural development bureau said.

Heilongjiang had completed the overhaul of heating facilities across the province by Saturday, and all its cities and regions have started to supply heating to residents in advance or on schedule.

To ensure the quality of heating supplies this winter, local housing bureaus have carried out comprehensive investigation and rectification of hidden problems in heating source security, heating exchange stations, network operation and the temperatures of residents’ rooms since May.

Residents in 13 cities and regions, including Heihe, Yichun and Suihua, have been enjoying warm rooms as outdoor temperatures continue to drop in late autumn.

In Harbin, the housing bureau and the city’s industry and information technology bureau have actively coordinated with coal mines and railway departments to help guide heating suppliers to sign coal purchase contracts and railway transportation support agreements in advance.

 - China Daily