I wish they could take that money and invest it in improving the quality of the air here. I don't wish to interfere in any city's internal affairs, but instead of attracting new visitors to Hefei, how about just making life pleasant for those already here.
I was surprised to pick up the 合肥晚报 yesterday and: a) not see any mention of the recent drastic decline in air quality: b) see a list of 10 promises by the party secretary for the improvement of the city that did not contain anything on environmental issues. Almost as depressing as the smog itself is the idea that nobody in a position of responsibility cares very much about the city they live in.
I never thought that I would be nostalgic for North Korea. But in Pyongyang, I remember blue skies and a perfectly clean river running through the center of town in which the locals, children and adults alike, would go swimming in after a hard day's work. Take me back... at least until the smog clears.
