TENS of thousands of city residents are living in neighborhoods where they get all their electricity free of charge, but are creating serious fire hazards. In old residential areas - known as "dilapidated neighborhoods" - awaiting demolition and where relocation negotiations have reached, stalemate residents can take advantage of a policy loophole. In some relocation projects, the city power and water suppliers stop charging bills against the households but instead seek to recover the costs from relocation managers. Accordingly, free electricity is available in the dilapidated blocks, which often have aged and messy wiring systems. Feng Fang, a 39-year-old domestic helper from Anhui Province, said she lived with her husband in such a rented room in Putuo District for three years. She only moved out last month after her landlord finally agreed on a compensation offer. Feng said the family paid only 500 yuan (US$76) a month for rent, with no charge for power and water. "It...
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