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Beijing launches non-emergency hotline
(CRI)
Updated: 2007-05-16 17:09
Beijing opened a hotline on Tuesday to receive non-emergency calls relating to all aspects of public services.
Citizens can dial the simple number 12345, to report problems and complaints about traffic, electricity, heating and so on. The hotline has been set up in conjunction with various government departments so the reported problems and complaints can be quickly directed to the relevant department.
It also enables callers to search for different government department phone numbers, or be directly put through to them.
Beijing Mayor, Wang Qishan, said at the launch ceremony that he hoped the hotline would develop to become a useful tool for citizens to solve problems in their everyday lives.
Currently the service is available in Chinese and English, but will add more languages as it develops into a city-wide network for solving non-emergency issues.
It is expected to play an important role next year when the city holds the 2008 Olympic Games.
Currently, 100 staff members are on-call to answer calls, with another 100 to be added soon.
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