OPINION> Commentary
Why can't the system do it?
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-07 08:48

To ensure sound implementation of the affordable and low-rent housing system, relevant departments should strive to improve policies and strengthen supervision, rather than only give people the governors' telephone numbers as an ultimate solution for all problems, says an article in Legal Daily. The following is an excerpt:

Governor and vice-governor of Jiangxi province recently made public their mobile numbers so that people can report to them directly if they find someone getting affordable or low-rent houses by fraudulent means.

Such pro-people attitude as well as the governors' awareness of social responsibility is worthy of high praise.

As housing prices have been soaring in recent years, the policy of constructing affordable and low-rent houses has also been carried out across the country, amid the government's concern about the residence burden shouldered by low-income people.

However, these houses, in the nature of social security and much cheaper than commodity houses, were also coveted by some who actually do not need the government's help in paying for a house. And as a result, problems arise as some seem to have got houses by submitting bogus information and pretending to be poor.

Of course, closer connections between people and leadership will deter those who try to get the houses unfairly. But why should we not stop them by scientific auditing means and stricter supervision, rather than rely on people with power?

(China Daily 08/07/2008 page10)