Tidy sum for millionaire binman
Print Edition
THERE probably aren’t many millionaires willing to work as sanitation workers for US$392 a month.
But 46-year-old Zhai Yongzhong, a resident of Guiyang, capital of China’s southwest province Guizhou, gets up at 6:30am every day and drives his BMW to the sanitation station for work, which involves collecting garbage from trash cans.
Although his salary isn’t enough to cover his driving expenses, Zhai doesn’t mind. He says he refuses to rest on his laurels, and instead aims to lead an active life.
Zhai wasn’t always rich. In 2012, the former farmer struck it rich as a result of government policies for the expropriation of land, mostly in rural areas, during the country’s urbanization.
Zhai received 400,000 yuan (US$65,311) in compensation for his land, plus four houses, making him a yuan millionaire.
While Zhai says this gave him enough money and resources to “sit idly,” he was not tempted to do so.
“I couldn’t just stay at home and eat away at my fortune. I live to work. For less-educated people like me, it’s not easy to find other jobs.”
Zhai has been a sanitation worker in the city’s Guanshanhu District for more than 3 years.
He is satisfied with his job and doesn’t find it too demanding.
“I think my job is good. It helps me stay in shape and I can earn money at the same time. I feel very fulfilled,” said Zhai.
According to the district’s human resources and social security bureau, more than 42,700 farmers have been compensated for land acquisitions. But not all have kept their wealth like Zhai.
Tang Ya, an official from the bureau, said that some farmers spend their compensation on gambling or drug use. Others choose to live lavish lifestyles.
Jiang Guolin, head of the district’s sanitation station, said it employs about 980 janitors.
Around half of that number are local farmers and some are as wealthy as Zhai.
Kang Mingxiu, 48, also became wealthy after being compensated for her land.
“I don’t earn much. I think work is not just about the salary. It makes one focused and fulfilled,” she said.
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