Xi’an road cleaners evaluated according to stricter standards

The performance of road cleaners in Xi'an, Shaanxi province is now being evaluated by a new set of cleaning standards. The weight of dust on roads they are responsible for cleaning will correlate to their salaries, among other changes.

The city’s roads are classified into three categories, each with different cleaning standards. Dust on Level I roads must not exceed 5 grams per square meter, according to the standards issued by local government officials in February.

Xi'an's roads have been noticeably improved since the new standards took effect, said Lan Yougang, an official with a local environmental office. However, cleaners who are found lacking on three occasions will be fired, and their supervisors will face disciplinary action.

Other areas of the country, such as Shandong, Hebei and Zhongwei in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, have also issued similar regulations. The standards have attracted both positive and negative attention online, with some net users expressing concern that they are too rigid, and others arguing that they guarantee a cleaner city.