Год выпуска: 2012 Автор: Xinyue Liu Издательство: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing Страниц: 244 ISBN: 9783659113796
Описание
This study, based on the theory of participatory governance, takes public hearings on water pricing in Chengdu as the research case. Through qualitative field research, I present the problems centred on urban water provision and some limitations of public participation in the hearings. The study reveals that the local government is stepping back into the management of urban water provision for its own benefit, and the water companies are taking a dominant position due to slack regulation and their monopolistic nature, so the public is at a disadvantage owing to the lack of empowerment, information asymmetry, transparency and equity. The study criticises water pricing hearings for being merely a formality of participatory governance but without practical and constructive meaning at this stage. Furthermore, the study and the associated problems explored, provide pertinent recommendations for the improvement of water pricing hearings and more rational management in urban water provision.
