Public deserves detailed explanations of mega projects

Passengers take a decorated subway train in Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu province, Sept 17, 2015. [Photo/IC]

Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong province, is reportedly reviewing the plan to build 15 new subway lines prior to 2030 at a cost nearly 500 billion yuan ($77 billion). Beijing News calls for proper public scrutiny and participation in the plan to make sure the project is both viable and properly managed:

Of course, Guangzhou's construction of the biggest ever subway system, if it goes as planned, may greatly alleviate not only congestion on the roads but also public concerns about urban management. However, any grand urban planning project requires in-depth research, targeted assessments and policies that take into account public opinions and involve the public's participation.

That being said, there are doubts about Guangzhou's subway construction plan that need to be addressed, and residents' opinions need to be carefully listened to and heeded.

How the local governments involved will solicit and use funds, as well as how they will repay the huge debts to be expected, should be made perfectly clear to the public in a responsible manner.

Universally known as money consuming and slow to produce returns, subway construction is not feasible simply through the sales of the land, which is why such missing information in the introduction to Guangzhou's unprecedented subway expansion has worried many.

As an advanced first-tier city in China, Guangzhou is supposed to enroll private capital in major urban infrastructure projects, instead of "considering the possibility of using private capital when necessary". This is to both relieve the financial burden on the local government and make better use of idle money.

In fact, subway construction is not only about a modern city's future development and its residents' well-being, it is also a reflection of a local government's determination and wisdom in the face of challenges. The Guangzhou government, therefore, should think proactively and prevent the will of a few officials from spoiling the decision-making process.