Dujiangyan Prefabricated Panel Old Houses

The following is an overview of the current situation, handling methods, and policy directions regarding prefabricated panel old houses in Dujiangyan:

Current Situation and Issues

Some prefabricated panel old houses in Dujiangyan were built in the 1980s and 1990s. For example, the prefabricated panel houses in Group 5 of Jiefang Community, Guankou Town (now Block D of the urban village shantytown renovation project) have a history of 35 years. Due to the limitations of construction conditions and technology at that time, these houses have weak overall integrity and earthquake resistance. After experiencing earthquakes, they are prone to problems such as wall cracks, water leakage, and water accumulation, seriously affecting the lives of residents. For instance, after the 2018 earthquake, the walls of the prefabricated panel houses in Jiefang Community cracked in multiple places, reducing living safety.

Handling Methods: Renovation as the Main Approach, Demolition as a Supplement

1. Renovation of Old Residential Areas: Most prefabricated panel buildings that have been standing for three to four decades have not been included in the demolition scope due to adjustments in urban renewal policies (such as the 2021 Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development regulation on 'strictly controlling large-scale demolition and new construction'). Instead, their living conditions are improved through renovation. Renovation includes repairing structural hazards, updating water and electricity pipelines, adding elevators, and optimizing green spaces. For example, after renovation, the environment in residential areas such as Guanjing Dayuan and Yinxing Apartment Phase II in Dujiangyan has significantly improved, enhancing the convenience of residents' lives.
2. Safety Appraisal Determines Retention or Demolition: The decision to demolish or retain prefabricated panel houses is primarily based on safety appraisal results. If a house is appraised as a Grade D dilapidated building (with severe structural damage that cannot meet safe use requirements), it may be included in the demolition plan; if it does not meet the criteria for a dilapidated building, renovation is prioritized to extend its service life.

Policy Background and Logic

1. Shift in Urban Renewal Approach: The past model of 'large-scale demolition and construction' has gradually been phased out due to issues such as high costs and resource waste. Current policies place greater emphasis on a combination of retention, renovation, and demolition, which means retaining valuable buildings, renovating old facilities, and demolishing dilapidated buildings.
2. Limitations of Funds and Practical Conditions: Comprehensive demolition of prefabricated panel houses requires huge amounts of funds and may trigger social conflicts (such as residents' dissatisfaction with compensation standards). Therefore, local governments are more inclined to balance costs and people's livelihood needs through renovation while avoiding excessive reliance on land finance.

Suggestions for Residents

If you live in a prefabricated panel old house, you can proactively contact your community or the housing and urban-rural development department to apply for a safety appraisal. Based on the results, you can participate in renovation or negotiate for demolition. At the same time, pay attention to the government's urban renewal plans to understand whether your area is included in the renovation or demolition scope and make life plans in advance.