Shibati (十八梯), or Eighteen Stairs, is a community at the centre of sprawling metropolis, Chongqing (重庆).Shibati, at the center of the prosperous Jiafangbei, covers an area of 38 million square feet and as a result of demolition, an ever-dwindling population of 7000.
Chongqing, is a major contributor to the economic growth of the country, and brags a population of over 30 million in the municipality and 8 million in the city proper.
Per capita the income of Shibati’s resident’s average roughly $1,000 a year, a longtime resident said asking to remain anonymous. For those that speak out or talk to foreign journalists, they could face the real threat retaliation by China’s infamous secret police, the Ministry of Public Security.
Many complained that the local Chongqing government are ignoring their pleas to be left alone as the city focuses on redevelopment. There are cases of forced evictions by police and military on behalf of either the government or local landowners.
Chongqing, is a major contributor to the economic growth of the country, and brags a population of over 30 million in the municipality and 8 million in the city proper.
Government and local government owns the land in Chongqing and give little or no notice of when they are taking buildings down and no real assistance to people on a low income in getting rehoused.
The result is that old buildings are being demolished and new developments are rising from the dust and ashes at breakneck speed with Shibati being the latest area due for redevelopment.
Local residence in the area are being relocated to one of three areas, Bagongli, Liziba and Lijia. The furthest is Lijia which is over an your hour away by the metro.
However, not everyone is unhappy about the relocation.
Wang, a local that has lived in the area about ten years sees the relocation as a positive step. She says that the conditions they live in at the moment are awful and is excited for the day she, her granddaughter, daughter and son in-law all move to a newer building.
Although she doesn't know where she will be sent she is sure it will be better than the draughty two bedroom apartment she lives in at the moment.