Lazy official puts people's lives at risk

AN OFFICIAL in Poyang county water conservancy bureau in East China's Jiangxi province refused to deal with a dangerous bridge in a remote mountain village with the excuse that he did not have a government car, and so was unable to get to the site. Legal Daily comments.

Local villagers can reportedly only cross a river using this unsafe bridge.

The reform to streamline the government car system means some officials no longer enjoy the perk. However, county officials receive a transport subsidy every month, which ranges from 500 yuan ($73) to 1,300 yuan depending on their duties.