Management of Donations: Nine million yuan lies unused

Wang Qicong, associate secretary of Shifang Civil Affairs Bureau, is in charge of cash and donations. A reporter spoke to her yesterday.

Reporter: How much has been donated to Shifang?

Wang Qicong: As of yesterday afternoon, Shifang City had received over 12 million yuan, including pledges. Of the 12 million, 9 million yuan has actually been deposited.

Reporter: How will distribute the money? Will it be used for earthquake relief?

Wang Qicong: The Civil Affairs Bureau is only responsible for accepting money. We have no power to distribute it. There are two places in Shifang City where people can make donations. Donations are deposited into a certain account the same day. The money will be used to help people living in disaster areas, but it cannot be distributed without the permission of the local government. So far the rescue work has been paid for out of Finance Bureau funds and there has been no need to use the donations.

(Beijing Times translated by Wang Wei & Dong Chen for China.org.cn May 22, 2008)