Solution to a stalemate

Residents of a shantytown in central Shanghai were consulted about relocation plans seven times in 23 years, but the issue remained unresolved because the locals could never reach a consensus to leave.

The stalemate was finally broke six months ago, when nearly 91 percent of the residents accepted the relocation plan.

Shi Ping, director of the neighborhood committee of the Qingyang community in the city’s Hongkou district, attributed the breakthrough to the greater transparency the municipal government has brought to the process in recent years.

“In the 1990s, many residents believed the earlier they agreed to move, the less chance they would have to bargain and demand higher compensation, and that’s what actually happened,” she said.

“If you were one of the last few households the authority spoke with after winning over at least 90 percent of the residents and making relocation possible, it was very likely that you would be able to bargain for higher compensation.”

However, compensation claims are now calculated according to the size of the house, irrespective of any other elements, she said.

The breakthrough was also the result of an increasing number of residents gradually accepting the idea of leaving the city center and moving to the suburbs.

“The location meant many residents were reluctant to move, but as the price of housing soared in Shanghai in recent years, many people had to lower their expectations when purchasing an apartment. People just accepted that fact,” Shi said.

The residents were taken on tours of their possible future homes in the districts of Pudong, Jiading and Songjiang so they could learn about the local environment and the surrounding infrastructure, according to Shi.

Xu Wanggen, a former Qingyang resident, who was born and raised in the shantytown, waited two decades to be relocated.

“The houses were really dilapidated, the alleys were dirty and water poured into our homes after torrential rain,” the 65-year-old said. “I now live in a 10th-floor apartment and the environment is so much better.”