From Chinese Press
People's role in demolitions
(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-05-05 07:54
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Demolitions as part of projects to renovate old cities have always acted as a fuse sparking social conflicts or even led to violence. And local governments have produced unwanted results despite their good intentions. The problem seems to lie with the decisions they make for the people, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:
Demolitions should be carried out after making the proposals public and informing local residents about the local government's plans. But some operations tend to make homeowners feel that their needs and sentiments are not respected. This could eventually lead to resentment among local residents.
Once demolition officials meet with hindrance, the standoff is generally ended by either raising compensations, which undermines impartiality and a local government's credibility, or through forced measures that lead to disputes and conflicts.
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The ultimate purpose of renovating old cities is local development and residents' benefit. Hence, the best way for officials to decide whether a renovation project should be implemented is to ensure local residents are satisfied with it. And it's the people who should make the decision, not the local government.
From 2008, authorities have followed a policy of initiating demolition programs after public consultations and after simulation contracts on demolitions are signed between homeowners and local authorities. According to the policy, demolition plans have to be scrapped if the contract is not voluntarily signed by homeowners.
Until now,
(China Daily 05/05/2011 page9)| 分享按钮 |