China Economic Weekly

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

China Economic Weekly

March 28, 2011

Solving people's housing problem is a major target of China during the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011-15). The government plans to build 36 million government-subsidized houses for lower- and middle-income families in the coming five years. In this issue, China Economic Weekly reviews what government-subsidized houses are, who will build them and who are allowed to live in them. 

Currently, China's public housing system is made up of economically affordable housing, low-rent housing, reasonably priced housing and public rental housing.

Real estate enterprises are also encouraged to invest in the sector. Experts believe that enterprises are ready to do so due to the huge market potential, more preferential policies and low risks.

In addition, as demand for government-subsidized houses exceeds supply, there should be clear regulations stipulating that those families who earn more should not be eligible for a subsidy. In this way, those who are truly in need can enjoy the preferential treatment as soon as possible.

Nanfeng Chuang

INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT

Nanfeng Chuang

April 6, 2011

While achieving great economic success, China faces new challenges in building a harmonious society and realizing social justice. For example, social stratum differentiation leads to conflicts of interest.

Also an increasing migrant population makes it more difficult for the governance of society.

The magazine says that as social changes create new problems in social management, the government should become more service-oriented to improve public service. Moreover, non-governmental organizations should be encouraged to play a role in social management.

Southern Metroplis Weekly

ENERGY UTILIZATION

Southern Metropolis Weekly

April 4, 2011

Traditional energy resources like coal and gas have contributed much to the industrialization process. However, they have brought pollution to the environment and can be a health hazard. Exploring new cleaner energy resources is of great significance in this sense.

It is generally thought that new energy resources are more environmentally friendly, as the energy of the renewable energy resources comes directly from the sun or the wind.

However, the magazine has a different view. The new energy resources are sometimes less environmentally friendly than coal and gas. Utilizing renewable resources requires various equipment, which will also consume considerable amounts of energy to produce and maintain. In addition, the process of utilizing the energy will also pollute the environment.  The use of new energy resources, therefore, requires sound analysis on how they affect the environment so that they can actually function as a clean energy.

PARKING CONFLICT

Beijing NewsApril 14, 2011

It is reported that a driver knocked over a parking attendant to avoid paying for the parking fee of 105 yuan ($23) in Dongcheng District, Beijing on the evening of April 11. Three days later the parking attendant was still hospitalized and not out of danger.

This is not accidental. Since April 1 when the parking fee was drastically increased, conflicts arising because drivers refuse to pay parking fees have become more frequent. Increasing the parking fee is a move to tackle traffic jams. It is also a long-term trend. However, the current problem is how to make people accept this.

The government should pay close attention to these conflicts and adjust and improve the policy in time. To curb the conflicts, the management of parking lot should be transparent. Meanwhile, more parking spaces should be provided.