Local gov'ts slammed for splurging on cultural projects
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Wuhan City recently planned to spend over 20 billion yuan (US$2.93 billion) celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 1911 Revolution that overthrew the country's final feudalist dynasty and led to the establishment of the Republic in China.
According to the plan announced by Wuhan Mayor Ruan Chengfa, the city government will invest 10 billion yuan to build a scenic spot in memory of the revolution and use a similar amount on a facelift of the city.
The plan aroused immediate disapproval from many local residents who believe the spending was excessive for such a cause. "If Dr. Sun Yat-sen (leader of the revolution) knew, he would shed bitter tears," some said sarcastically. "History should be remembered in the heart and not by spending money," Gu Yuexin, a local university student said.
Yet similar splurges are not unknown in the country. The northeastern port city of Tianjin spent 5.1 billion yuan building a "British Village", and Nanjing, capital of Jiangsu Province, used 19.5 million yuan to move a bronze sculpture of Sun Yat-sen to a new location.
Some residents don't oppose government's intention to improve the infrastructure in the city, but they hope the proportion of the money spent in this way can be far higher than that used for any ceremonies.
Professor Gao Guoxi from Fudan University in Shanghai said many cities set up the cultural projects in a bid to develop their tourist industries.
Zhangjiagang, a small city along Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province, is an example. It has spent 60 million yuan in six consecutive years holding exhibitions, shows and conferences to spread local culture.
"The investment is not only to promote local culture but also bring economic benefit to the city," explained Liang Yibo, the vice Party secretary.
But many cultural projects become contentious because their budgets are not transparent enough for public. "It's good to develop tourism by setting up cultural projects, but there should be a public-voting process before the government implements their plans," Gao said.
Shanghai has postponed the maiden voyage of a water bus in Minhang District because of strong public opposition expressed in the second round of voting on the project, worth 20 million yuan.
According to Professor Gao Ruxi with Shanghai Jiaotong University, whether it support such projects or not, the public at large hopes the government will budget without extravagance.
The central government issued a circular in 2003 to avoid splurges on ceremonies. In 2009, it again called on local governments to work within tight budgets.
Associate Professor Shao Xiaoying, from Fudan University, said certain procedures should be adopted in setting up a cultural project based on its public benefit. The government should invite the public to join the decision by holding hearings and monitoring budget spending, Shao said.
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