Shenzhen stated that it would not stop its chengguan outsourcing due to the huge volume of work involved. As a stranger from another province who struggles for a small income in Shenzhen, I'm very worried about this news.

Chengguan outsourcing is quite unacceptable to small business operators like me. By outsourcing, the local government will actually transfer part of the responsibilities to others. However, in order to maximize profits, those private firms are likely to use quick and dirty methods to manage this city.

I've seen chengguan using violence. In the process of law enforcement, they do not show peddlers concrete regulations and administrative documents. Instead, to clean up the city and drive out the street vendors, they directly break the stalls and seize the goods.

The fundamental purpose of city management is to create a clean and tidy city. Without a clear identity as public servants, staff members from the contractors are more likely to simplify the administrative process and achieve the desired effect by the easiest methods, including the use of violence.

It is very difficult for the authorities to impose limitations on these kinds of actions. The previous cases arising from outsourcing have shown this point, for instance, the case of Gong Bo.

Gong, a Shenzhen chengguan, was praised as a hero when killed on the job last year. But he was later discovered to be a member of a local gang that had taken over outsourced chengguan duties and used them to extort money from vendors.

Private contractors don't have as many responsibilities as the government. They are less likely to stand in the shoes of us street vendors to understand our behavior. It's true that the city is often troubled by bad behavior from the street vendors.

However, through street stalls, peddlers can resolve their problems, and strive to find a job and make a living. They needn't beg at the cost of their dignity, but can support their families by their own efforts. In the end, it benefits social stability.

But it remains quite uncertain whether private contractors will treat them with tolerance. Generally, I feel great anxiety about the violence arising from the outsourcing.



The article was compiled by Global Times reporter Shu Meng based on an interview with Tang Ashui, a small business operator based in Shenzhen. shumeng@globaltimes.com.cn