China speeds up resettlement in water mega-scheme

[Fade]

China speeds up resettlement in water mega-scheme
29 Dec 2009 04:26:13 GMT
Source: *******

BEIJING, Dec 29 (*******) - China will use stimulus spending to speed up shifting 330,000 people slated to be displaced for a vast water transfer project, accelerating work on the troubled scheme, an official newspaper said on Tuesday.

The displaced residents, mostly poor farmers in central China's Henan and Hubei provinces, are being moved for the South-North Water Transfer Project, which will draw water from southern rivers for the country's dry north. [ID:nPEK91076]

The construction of two long canals in central and eastern China has been troubled by chronic pollution, troubles relocating displaced residents and engineering hitches.

But now Zhang Jiyao, the official in charge of the project, has "urged local authorities to complete all migrant displacement by the end of 2011", the China Daily reported, citing an official meeting on Monday.

The earlier deadline was 2014. Half the residents will be relocated by the end of 2010, when 48 billion yuan ($7.03 billion) will be spent on the project, boosted by funding from China's blitz of stimulus spending to counter the financial crisis, said Zhang.

Big dams and hydro projects have been a lightning rod for discontent in China. Around the Three Gorges Dam, the nation's other mighty hydro project, clashes dogged the move of 1.4 million residents.Article continued at http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/TOE5BS02L.htm

[hskywalker]

North China has some water issues. I have been to a place in Henan, water there is mostly from underground water, it's alkalescence and people don't like it. The good thing is the alkalescence soil there is good for growing apples, apples are cheap there. So people often eat more apples, drink less water. I still belive thing will get better though.

For those resettled, there are plenty of cities in China with better economy, better infrastracture, and scientifically constructed. Most of them will be thankful to the government.

[Ordie]

How are the 330,000 refugees compensated for their land, homes, and livelihood?

Being displaced, will the individuals have a choice where they will live, work, go to school and purchase new land? Will they have a choice to live in Beijing? Shanghai? or Hong Kong?

[hskywalker]

How are the 330,000 refugees compensated for their land, homes, and livelihood?

Being displaced, will the individuals have a choice where they will live, work, go to school and purchase new land? Will they have a choice to live in Beijing? Shanghai? or Hong Kong?
It surely can't be discussed thorougly on internet.
My understanding of government policy is:
Some cities in China is too big to sustain itself, due to environmnt and living expense. Government want to control its growth.
People(especially young people, I was one of them) flocks to those places, always dreaming future will be better. Many of them are actually wasting their time.
Development of China is not balanced, resources should be diverted to western parts. Those resettled population better be relocated to inner and western China.
Any projects will benefits some people, and hurt some people. Sorry for those who gets hurt. Collateral damage.

For example: many old buildings in China are being torned down to make place for new ones. For those resettled, some will benefit, some lose money, even though government policy treat them the same.(Like money spent on interior decorations, working places, different life plans...).
China is developing, some people unfortunately will make way for it. But the direction is good, nowadays government is much more civilised, less corrupt than some 10 years ago.