Reining in demolition
Updated: 2007-09-01 11:14
Of course, the new administrative rules must not be in conflict with the stipulation in the Property Law. But much needs to be done beyond this principle to rein in random and illegal demolition by developers.
"Public interest" is too abstract a concept, which can be touted by corrupt government officials in their dirty dealings with developers for illegal demolitions or for "image construction projects". It is not rare that construction projects in the name of public interest turn out to be ones that infringe upon the general public's interest.
Emphasis must be placed on the prohibition of government officials' abuse of public power when it comes to designing the rules. The regulations must be so designed that any construction project in the name of public interest must prove to be true to the name.
The process for getting permission for demolitions needs to be designed in such a manner that the construction projects be completely put in the spotlight. This is not only because unreasonable or illegal demolitions may infringe upon the rights and cause damage to the property of real estate owners, but because such construction projects will be a waste of taxpayers' money.
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