Point-based systems mobile citizens to participate in city management

chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2020-03-20

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A point-based system has been rolled out by Wenling, a county-level city in Taizhou, to mobilize local residents to contribute to the city's management. 

Residents who report urban management problems to local authorities will be rewarded with points, which can later be exchanged for cash or gifts. 

A local resident with the username Shijian Zhuyu reported 17 urban management problems last year and scored a total of 790 points.

According to the reward scheme, the 790 points can be redeemed for a Xiaomi branded bluetooth selfie stick or a bluetooth headset. 

In 2019, more than 10 people scored over 600 points, out of a maximum score of 1,040, official data show. 

Data from Wenling smart city management center show that the center received 23,480 reports of urban management problems last year, among which 161 cases were reported on WeChat. 

Citizens are able to get involved in the campaign by subscribing to the WeChat account of Wenling smart city management center. 

If the problem submitted is confirmed to be valid after examination and verification, the user will be awarded one point per report. Those who upload photos showing where the problem is shall be awarded an extra 0.5 points.

On a weekly basis, the points can be redeemed for money in the form of red envelopes on WeChat. A point is equivalent to one yuan ($0.14) and the reward for a user is capped at 50 yuan per month. 

Every year, local authorities will grant extra rewards for the 10 citizens with the most points. 

Urban management refers to the management of emergencies, urban environment, construction sites and public facilities, etc. 

Similar point-based systems have also been applied in the anti-virus battle in Wenling.

In the city's Chengxi sub-district, residents were encouraged to apply for health QR codes.

Local families who take the initiative to apply for health codes are rewarded 100 yuan per person as well as two "household civilization points", which can later be exchanged for daily necessities. 

In its Chengdong sub-district, landlords are encouraged to report their tenant information to local authorities, who will later arrange for accommodation in accordance with the tenants' health QR code colors.