Editorials

A holistic approach

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-23 07:55

The abolition of the planned garbage incinerator plant in Panyu district of Guangzhou is of significance not limited to the environmental concern of local residents. The entire process from the protest mounted by local residents to the heated debate, and finally to the withdrawal of the project sends a message of double meaning.

On the one hand, local residents are more conscious now to defend for their rights and interests. When the incineration project was announced in October, local residents expressed concerns and demanded for their right to know whether harmful emissions from the incinerator would pollute the air, which could lead to deteriorating health.

Meanwhile, the Panyu district government has been open to opinions and barbs by local residents. Local authorities said that the project could start only after it obtains an acceptable environmental impact assessment. The authorities later apologized for its failure to solicit the opinion of local residents before making a decision on the proposed project.

On Sunday, the Party secretary of Panyu district announced the abolition of the project during a dialogue with representatives of local residents. Following this, matters related to garbage treatment would now have to gain consent of at least 75 percent from local residents. They would also be adequately informed in advance on issues that would impact their lives.

By allowing public opinion in decision-making, it would certainly delay or abort the progress of a project. However, public opinion could reduce the chances of errors by a government body. Efficiency aside, sensible governance should never turn a blind eye on the people's voice.

In ensuing discussions following the uproar by local residents, a consensus was reached on garbage classification, where a percentage of garbage should be recycled in order to reduce the amount of waste at the landfill or to the incinerator.

That discussions will continue to find the best method to solve the garbage problems in Panyu district has demonstrated the local government's sincerity in doing a better job and its confidence in allowing a democratic way via public opinion in its quest to find a holistic approach to the issue.

The rules on disclosure of governmental information - adopted on May 1 last year - made it an obligation to the government to sufficiently inform residents. The rapid progress of information technology has set high demands on transparency of governance and interaction between a government and its citizens.

Lack of transparency or intentionally withholding information by the government has been the direct or indirect cause of almost all social unrests.

Keeping residents adequately informed and respecting their opinions would positively reflect on the government's credibility and reputation. It will also help it do a better job in providing services and solving problems for residents. Panyu government sets a good example for the rest of the country.

(China Daily 12/23/2009 page8)