Saltworks under assault
Toiling with backs bent under the scorching sunshine, dozens of workers crawl over the Cang'ao saltworks in Shitang township, Wenling, Zhejiang Province.
"Please take as many pictures as you can. This will all soon disappear." Those wishing to snap the saltworks will soon hear these words from the employees.
According to the local government's plan, the saltworks that have existed for over 30 years will soon be turned into a tourism destination, as part of plan to rejuvenate the local economy.
In early January this year, the 78 salt households received a notice, requesting all salt evaporation be stopped as of February 1 and stating that the government would reclaim 530,000 square meters of land, equaling to the space of 74 football fields. Disputes then broke out between the villagers and authorities.
"We've spent years working here, it's not easy to say goodbye," Zhou Linbao, 57, told the Global Times on Tuesday.
In 1971, in response to a call to develop the salt industry, villagers started to build cofferdams and cement pools, according to local newspaper Taizhou Business Daily. In 1979, the Cang'ao saltworks were formerly established under the financial support of the local commune.
In the first few years, the salt workers would only take home 10 yuan ($1.57) a year. In 1999, the collective ownership of the salt field shifted to private. In recent years, the sea salt purchasing price rose to 0.44 yuan per kilogram, raising the workers' income to 60,000 yuan a year.
"After several protests and petitions, the government agreed to pay a one-time compensation of 55,300 yuan to each household," Zhou said. "But most of us still feel unfairly treated as we worry about the rest of our lives without the salt field." According to Zhou, the authorities have already cut off the pipeline that brings sea water to the salt field. In a few days, the sea water already stored will be used up and work will have to finally stop.
"In consideration of the town's future development, we urgently need the land to be used for construction," Jiang Zhixian, a local official, told the Taizhou Business Daily.
In the near future, a comprehensive resort geared toward tourism, hotels, business streets and high-end apartments will soon rise from the former saltworks.
Global Times
