An aerial view of rural roads in Tongzhou district, Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Tongzhou district in Nantong, East China's Jiangsu province has in recent years seen a significant improvement in the maintenance of the rural roads thanks to the promotion of a "road chief" system, local media reported.

In Tongzhou, every town and village has a "road chief" who is responsible for the condition of rural roads.

In addition, 143 million yuan ($19.61 million) has been invested in the refurbishment of rural roads in Tongzhou this year, official statistics show.

Based on this system, Tongzhou has improved road connectivity between its villages and towns.

The launch of the "road chief" system has also led to improvements to the rural environment.

In Xindong town, 201 street lamps have been installed on three rural roads. Tongzhou authorities have also established fitness facilities and green spaces near these roads.