BEIJING: Several residents of the Zhaofeng Building said their community-driven renovation in Shanghai was helped by the pivotal role of its grassroots Party.
They said that the grassroots Party organization has been open-minded in listening to residents’ requirements and advice regarding improving their daily lives, for example, ideas regarding whether to add greenery and charging facilities for electric bikes in the residential compound. “We always respond to the needs of the residents, which gradually builds mutual trust. And only in this way can we summon the residents together to work for a common goal when there is something critical going on,” said Bao Li, secretary of the Party branch of the residential community where the building is located.
Residents said there are not many communities like them where all the households in the building — with at least one individual representing a household — are in a WeChat group, and can talk directly to the secretary of the Party branch of the residential community.
“This really shows that the secretary is responsible. Because when anybody can speak to all in a group chat, such communication becomes transparent in front of everybody’s eyes, which can be a quite scary matter,” said Liu Guanglei, a resident in the Zhaofeng Building.
“If someone mentions an issue in the group chat, many people may express similar concerns and vent emotions, and that may often make a small problem magnified,” said Liu, 41. Bao said: “We always face problems head-on, take the initiative to communicate with the residents, and find ways to solve problems. The sooner we step in to help solve problems, the smoother it will be.”
In 2020, some residents proposed to build a multistory parking garage in the residential compound. Although the compound is small and it might cause trouble as some might oppose the idea, Bao said as the Party organization is at the grassroots level, they never reject residents ‘ suggestions. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
