Man Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Building Bridge with Personal Funds

ZHENLIN, China (AP) — A man's attempt to provide a vital bridge for a remote village in northeastern China has sparked a significant social and legal debate after he was sentenced to two years in prison for constructing the bridge without official approval.

The incident centers on Huang De, who built a pontoon bridge over the Taoer River to connect the isolated village of Zhenlin in Jilin province. Before the bridge was constructed, villagers had to travel nearly 70 kilometers to reach the nearest crossing. In 2014, Huang and 17 other villagers welded together 13 metal boats to create a stronger bridge capable of supporting heavy vehicles.

Local residents welcomed the bridge and were willing to pay a small toll to use it, appreciating the relief it provided from long detours. However, four years later, the Taonan Water Authority ordered the dismantling of the bridge, accusing Huang and his family of illegally profiting from the tolls.

Huang argued that his actions were motivated solely by a desire to help the community. He claimed the alleged profits from tolls were exaggerated and merely intended to maintain the bridge. Despite his defense, the court rejected his arguments and upheld the decision.

In June 2023, Huang filed a second appeal against his sentence, which is currently under review. His case has ignited a heated discussion on Chinese social media, with some users arguing that he was punished for providing a service to the community, while others believe he deserved the consequences for violating construction laws.

Regional authorities have yet to fulfill their promise of constructing a new bridge, highlighting ongoing issues with governmental delays and unfulfilled commitments to public infrastructure. The controversy surrounding Huang's case continues to raise questions about community service and the responsibilities of local governments in providing essential services.