Grassroots deputy helps transform Shanghai's largest apartment complex

Zhang Junping, a community official with 20 years of experience, took on her role at Shanghai Kangcheng, the largest apartment complex in Shanghai, 13 years ago.

Through her unwavering dedication and the leadership team's efforts at the residential compound, the community, which accommodates 280 residential buildings and around 40,000 residents, has thrived as a place where inhabitants can quickly come together to work for a common goal.

This compares to the fact that around a decade ago, the apartment complex troubled by illegal group housing rental, residential apartments renovated for commercial use, and other problems, was dubbed by local media as "the most chaotic neighborhood in town". In 2015 alone, 185 burglaries took place at the residential compound.

"During my early days working here, I met a resident who drove to work. The middle-aged hid the community parking permit away immediately after leaving the gate of the residential compound. He said he'd feel embarrassed if others knew he lived in this community. I felt sad, and was determined to make some changes," said Zhang, 48, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee for the third year, and deputy secretary of the Communist Party of China committee of the Kangcheng neighborhood.

"Today, even my family and I would love to live here," she said, adding that residents' diverse needs, including shopping, medical care, and children's education, can be met without the need to leave the community. The quality of service has been improving to respond to people's constant pursuit for a better life.

One of the reasons for the changes taking place at the community, which was established in around the year 2000, was that the community leadership team has been open-minded in listening to residents' requirements and advice on improving their daily lives, said Zhang.

She said that the Party organization is at the grassroots level and never rejects residents' suggestions.

For example, residents demanded charging facilities for their non-motor vehicles. The residential complex has nearly 10,000 such vehicles, and the insufficiency forced some residents to risk installing additional wires themselves, causing potential safety hazards.

Last year, with resolute determination and full-scale actions, all 40 parking lots for non-motor vehicles underwent renovation, providing residents with enough parking space and safe and adequate charging facilities. Firefighting facilities were added as well.

"While Shanghai's efforts to build a safe and resilient city are quickly gathering pace, at the community level, safety is the bottom line and foundation of our work. Also, we must respond to the needs of the residents and gradually build mutual trust with them," Zhang said.