After 14 years without an elevator, residents in a community in Nanxiang Town raised the money themselves and now no longer have to struggle up the stairs with their groceries.

Although the residents applied for the elevator installation and raised the cost by themselves, the neighborhood committee and self-autonomy council attached a great deal of importance to the problem.

The residential area on Deyun Rd was founded in 1999. What makes it special is that the building is located over a supermarket. Thus, people had to climb steps equivalent to the height of a six-story building to reach the entrance to their residence.

Two original elevators fell into disrepair and were scrapped in 2002. Ten years later, more elderly residents came to live here. In early April 2015, residents reported the situation, hoping to solve the problem.

Community officials heeded their pleas and the self-autonomous council held two house owners' congresses, three joint conferences and four delegates’ meetings to talk about how to resolve the situation.

After several rounds of consultation, it was decided that Nanxiang property company should take charge of collecting the money and signing agreements with elevator companies. Every household which approved the elevator installation contributed 4,000 yuan (US$607) and 268,000 yuan was collected in all.

Although the money problem is resolved, the community encountered a series of problems with the electricity supply. Elevators must be equipped with two transformers to ensure safety.

The community only had one transformer and the cost of another one was not inconsiderable. After negotiations with Nanxiang power station, the community finally approved a cost-saving solution.

All the residents are said to be glad to see that the elevator is back in business.