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Infrastructure is essential to connect isolated communities, but alternative solutions are not always well received. In China, a resident decided to build a floating bridge with his own money to help his village, but ended up facing fines and even jail time for not having official authorization.
Before 2005, Zhenlin Village in northern China's Jilin Province was cut off by the Taoer River. Residents had to walk about 70 kilometers to the nearest bridge, which made the daily commute a great challenge.
The village depended on fishing and agriculture, but limited access made it difficult to trade and access basic services such as health and education.
The situation began to change when Huang Deyi, one of the most active residents of the village, decided to build a makeshift bridge.
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He operated a small ferry to help residents cross the river, but found that the crossing was still slow and limited.
Determined to improve the lives of his community, Huang decided to take a bigger initiative. Using his own resources, he built a rudimentary floating bridge that quickly became a staple for the locals.
The structure was well received by the population. Instead of traveling long distances, residents could pay a small toll to cross the bridge, ensuring faster and more efficient travel.
The cost was much less than the fuel and time spent using the official bridge.
Over time, the new crossing became a fundamental part of the village's daily life, facilitating the transport of goods and allowing more people to access jobs in other cities.
Expansion and problems with authorities
Business prospered and in 2014, Huang, along with 17 other residents, reinforced the structure.
They welded 13 metal boats together to increase capacity, allowing heavy vehicles to pass through. With the improvement, the flow of people and goods increased considerably.
Small traders began to use the bridge to take their products to larger markets, strengthening the local economy.
However, in 2018, the Taonan Water Affairs Authority intervened.
He ordered the bridge to be removed and accused Huang of illegally profiting from the structure. The decision sparked outrage among residents, who feared returning to isolation and losing the convenience they had gained in recent years.
The bridge’s removal did not end the case. In 2019, Huang and some family members were detained.
Authorities alleged that he had collected 44.000 yuan ($6.200) in tolls between 2014 and 2018. An investigation revealed that since 2005, the total amount collected had exceeded 52.000 yuan ($7.300).
As a result, he was sentenced to two years in prison and two years of probation.
Attempted defense and judicial appeal
Huang did not deny that the bridge had no official authorization. He claimed that its purpose was simply to help the community.
Regarding the charge, he said that the amount quoted was exaggerated and that the construction costs exceeded 130.000 yuan (US$18.300). In addition, he highlighted that the toll was a way to keep the bridge in good condition, covering maintenance and safety expenses.
The first appeal was rejected by the court in 2021. He appealed again in June 2023 to the Baicheng Intermediate People's Court. The case is still under review.
Meanwhile, the story has gained widespread attention on Chinese social media. The debate has been divided. On one side, some claim that Huang and his family have profited unduly. Others argue that he provided an essential service, given the inaction of the authorities.
A Weibo user commented: “There would be no room for Huang to profit if there was already a bridge in place.”. Others pointed out that residents preferred to pay the toll rather than face a much longer journey.
On the other hand, there are those who question the safety of the structure. Some internet users asked who would be responsible in the event of an accident.
After the repercussions, the authorities promised to build an official bridge closer to Vila Zhenlin. So far, however, the project has not come to fruition and there is no further update on the case.
Meanwhile, residents continue to face difficulties crossing the river, awaiting a definitive solution.
Rebuilt bridge in Brazil withstands rain
While Huang is facing problems in China, in Brazil, a similar situation had a different outcome. In Nova Roma do Sul, in Serra Gaúcha, residents celebrate the resistance of a bridge built with their own resources.
The structure was washed away by a flood in September 2023. Without government support, the community organized to rebuild it.
The work was completed in 138 days and reopened in January 2024. The project was financed by donations collected by the Associação Amigos de Nova Roma.
Heleno Pasuch, treasurer of the association, explained that the new bridge was built 1,70 meters higher than the previous one. This detail made all the difference: despite the recent heavy rains, the structure remained intact.
On May 1st of last year, the city was hit by storms again. Even so, the bridge remained standing, reinforcing the value of popular initiative in rebuilding essential infrastructure.
