Reuters AlertNet Lite - China calls a halt to "luxury" public buildings

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China calls a halt to "luxury" public buildings

18 Apr 2007 03:08:43 GMT
Source: Reuters

BEIJING, April 18 (Reuters) - No more indoor gardens, multi-storey atriums or high-tech karaoke stages for Chinese government and Communist Party buildings, China has ruled in a crackdown on luxury.

The move back to the drawing board is partly a response to complaints about ostentatious public buildings, the official Xinhua agency said, but also fits with a push for smaller, less wasteful construction as the country looks for greener growth.

Many buildings in China are clad -- inside or out -- with acres of marble and gilt as a sign of prestige. Expensive and energy-guzzling features like huge glass windows and indoor fountains are also popular.

The new rules, handed down by the State Council, or cabinet, together with a top communist party committee in a circular, forbid meeting rooms with simultaneous translation, use of agricultural land and construction of large squares.

"They are not only serious acts of squandering but abuse of power," the circular said of the "worsening trend" of local governments building extravagant offices, in some cases by borrowing from banks or even embezzling poverty-alleviation and disaster-relief funds.

Stringent approval procedures would be introduced to tackle the problem which hurt the party's image, Xinhua said.

The rules appeared to signal an end to the sprawling entertainment complexes attached to many official buildings, and also called for efficient and environmentally friendly heating, cooling and elevator systems.

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Last updated:Wed Apr 18 03:09:28 2007