Funding policy making should be improved

Local authorities should think carefully about how they use public funds, says an article on Beijing Youth Daily, excerpt:

Guangzhou government invested more than 50 million yuan ($7.85 million) building a temporary overpass bridge for the 2011 Shenzhen Universiade — but it failed to maintain it properly after the event, and attracted public criticism.

Special events do put extra demands on buildings and other infrastructure facilities, but local budgets cannot afford too many of these kinds of investment, and certainly those not cared for in the aftermath.

The London Olympic Games is a good example of sensible spending: some of its sports stadiums were temporary and they will be removed after the Games, at minimum cost.

The Universiade overpass bridge was built using public money; but the public didn’t have a say during its planning, building, or its operation, exposing the fact that the public lacks any appropriate channel to be involved in the sensible planning of any major facility using their money.

Local authorities should bear in mind that public money should be used wisely, and always complete public facilities with the best public interest in mind.