Authorities need to speed up efforts to improve Beijing's traffic, air quality and hygiene in the two years before the capital hosts the Olympic Games, city residents said yesterday.
Zhang Decai, 72, said he was looking forward to experiencing the Games in his home country, but much more needed to be done so the city could host such a huge event, especially in terms of traffic and hygiene.
'Traffic is an old problem here which can hurt the city's international image. There are frequent traffic jams and people here don't follow the lights. The drainage system isn't good enough to allow smooth transport on rainy days,' he said.
But Mr Zhang said he had checked progress on construction of the National Stadium and National Aquatics Centre and said he was very satisfied with work on the venues.
'The stadium is so grand and impressive, which gives me confidence about the country hosting the games. I definitely want to go to the opening ceremony.'
Shen Zhixian, 70, said Beijing's air quality had improved a lot in recent years, but she feared the city's haze would affect athletes' performances.
