Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai

Residents in Zhuhai's Xiangzhou district have been able to solve their own disputes and issues by using committees representing and negotiating with local people. 

Xiangzhou district will continue to promote its self-government system at grassroots levels with the local authority aiming to establish a negotiation committee comprising of residents in each of its 126 communities by 2020.

In 2016, Nancun community in Xiangzhou District voted 107 representatives to act coordinating responsibilities independent of house-owner committees and conventions. The committee guarantees that 50 households each have at least one person representing them.

Residents vote at a meeting of the negotiation committee to solve community issues in Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai. 

The negotiation committee holds its monthly meeting to put forward solutions to public issues such as the sharing of public facilities and poor sanitation, in a more efficient and democratic way. 

In addition, committee members have the ability to gather various opinions on community sanitation and cultural activities from the public through surveys and visits so that they can put forward viable solutions.

A special fund of 210,000 yuan ($30,905) has been provided to carry out public welfare projects, 55,000 yuan ($8,094) is provided by the government.

An official of the local civil affairs bureau said, "Residents relying on themselves to solve issues can help ease the burden of government and create more vitality in local communities."

Other communities in Xiangzhou district have also applied similar management modes to solve public issues, facilitate communication between residents and government, and maintain the social stability.

Cuixiang sub-district has created open communication and broadcasts on television every week. Hongqi community has involved people in the urban planning network and encourages them to put forward proposals to revitalize old streets. Fushi uses an online service platform to gather people’s opinions and help solve their problems. 

Committee members discuss and put forward solutions to issues at a community office in Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai. 

Residents fill in questionnaires about self-governance at grassroots levels in Xiangzhou District, Zhuhai. [Photos by Cheng Lin/Zhuhai Daily]