Core Viewpoint - The successful breakthrough of the "Yuehai Huanbei No. 8" shield machine marks a significant milestone in the construction of the Huanbei Guangdong Project, a major water conservancy initiative in Guangdong Province aimed at addressing long-standing water scarcity issues in the Leizhou Peninsula [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The Huanbei Guangdong Project spans approximately 490 kilometers and is recognized as a key national water network project [1] - It is the largest water diversion project in Guangdong Province, featuring the longest water transport route, the most complex construction conditions, and the highest total investment among major water conservancy projects [1] Group 2: Key Engineering Details - The Lianjiang tunnel, located in Zhanjiang, is a critical component of the project, measuring about 10.2 kilometers in length [1] - The section from Hechun shield well to Shanggao shield well, which is 3.8 kilometers long, is being excavated by the "Yuehai Huanbei No. 8" shield machine, the first large-scale excavation equipment to commence work on the project [1] Group 3: Project Impact and Future Plans - Upon completion, the project will connect 12 reservoirs along its route, benefiting over 18 million people in four cities and alleviating water scarcity issues that have plagued the Leizhou Peninsula for a millennium [1] - The next steps involve accelerating the excavation of tunnels, installation of pipelines, and construction of pump stations to achieve the goal of water delivery as soon as possible [1]