Securing a loan from the public to build roads without repaying for 14 years, how to gain trust from the people? (Original work by Zhaoxiufeng) According to the media report,  Lanxi county of Heilongjiang Province borrowed 13,230,000 yuan from the people to build roads, and has not repaid for 14 years. The county government raised funds from the people to build roads then, but now the government's loan-repaying road tolls for secondary roads within the province have all been cancelled. Not a single cent has been repaid to the loan from the people, and very much so in the indefinite future. 

Under the conditions of socialist market economy system, government is the main macro-economic control, mainly carrying out the duty of providing services. The government borrowing money to build roads was actually a "people-supported project", "People's roads are built by people, build the roads for the people", "Spend what you get from the people on the roads, and bring benefits to the people". This is not merely a slogan shouting, but real action is needed. One should not bring burden to the people, and also must not harm the people; never lose confidence of the people, and never harm the interest of the people. Reportedly, the then county leadership had also promised, "a one-off repayment would be made from the toll fees within 3 years." But until now, nearly 5 times the 3-year period, the loan made 14 years ago has not been repaid yet, the government did not honour its promise, the people therefore cannot but become doubtful: Where have all the toll fees gone to? Why hasn't the loan from the people been repaid yet after 14 years? When will this matter be settled?

In the society, the government's credit is of prime importance. It directly concerns the important question of how people perceive the position and image of the government, and the harm it can bring is far more severe than that of personal back down on promises. Good faith is also the only rule for developing market economy and conducting business. "True in word and resolute in deed" is the teachings left behind by the ancients, "Keep to the word, carry out what has been decided". The basic principle of finance is "Make loan and repay loan, including principal and interest". We shall leave aside the question of whether or not the Lanxi county borrowing money from the people to build roads then was in compliance with the legal procedure, but as the government came forward to handle the issue, it was virtually the guarantee of credit by the government, how can it be "loan without repayment"? The county government backed down on its promise to the people for 14 years, who shall assume this loss? An explanation must be given to the people, and the issue resolved satisfactorily! Making promises without honouring them, what faith is there to talk about? How about having an inquiry and a thorough investigation? Only then can the government have the morale and favourable public opinion, gain trust of the people, and bring benefits to the people.