BEIJING — Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua on Nov 18 called for solid efforts to improve the rural living environment.

Hu, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while presiding over a meeting in Beijing on inspections of the work to improve the rural living environment.

Special inspections should be carried out to push local governments to pay more attention to the improvement work based on the reality on the ground, Hu said.

Authorities should adhere to a problem-oriented approach, focus on key tasks such as the rural "toilet revolution" as well as sewage and garbage treatment, he said, adding that officials should stay close to the people and listen to their appeals.