Shining success marred by theft and vandalism

Half of the 131 solar-powered emergency lampposts in seven scenic spots in rural Beijing were damaged to various degrees according to Beijing Municipal Engineering Consulting Corporation, the installation company for the lampposts.

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Tourism introduced the emergency lights in suburban scenic spots where mountain climbers are likely to lose their way in November 2009. The lamps are solar-powered and incorporate a cell phone charger, and each lamppost also carries a road sign and identity number so that rescue workers can locate lost hikers immediately should they seek assistance.

Shao Hongjian, project manager for the installation of the lights, said that the damage was mainly caused by strong winds, but that vandalism and theft also accounted for around 20 percent of the damage, such as stealing the batteries and breaking the bulbs.