Nowadays people in urban areas are confronted with severe housing problems such as shortages of spaces and the inferior quality of buildings. These problems will no doubt lead to moral or economical crimes and increase the insecurity of citizens. As to whether only the government should take on the responsibilities to cope with the problems there arises a controversial discussion that draws the public’s great concern.

Advocates hold the opinion that it is only the government’s obligation to deal with housing problems. For one thing, only the government has the ability to call for experts in relative fields to get together and present their ideas on this issue. The government can also provide enough funds and equipments when necessary during the process of problem solving. For another, one of the government’s unique functions is legislation. The government can standardize¹ behaviors in constructing and purchasing so that the serious situation will be controlled to some extent. Besides, it is generally believed that policies of housing made out by government are authorized² and convincing. Therefore they are much easier to be implemented³.

Opponents, however, argue that the government shouldn’t be the only one to work out housing problems. To start with, government officers have to deal with problems in all aspects of the development of local area every day. If the government is required to concentrate on solving housing problems, its workload⁴ will be increased and many other problems cannot be solved effectively. Additionally, other professional institutions like real estate companies may have more professional and practical views on this issue. It is essential to make full use of their functions. Moreover, solving problems together will increase the awareness⁵ of social responsibility and sense of belonging among the citizens. Unity⁶ is an extremely important factor for the development of the whole society.

Personally, I side with the latter because a satisfied situation of housing is closely related to the benefits of individuals. Thus our joint⁷ effort is urgently needed.