Luxury homes gifted by Chinese tycoon sit empty as greedy villagers row over ownership
Drinks magnate left frustrated after donating US$32 million to pay for 258 houses for residents of his hometown
A Chinese tycoon who paid for hundreds of luxury homes to be built for the residents of his hometown has been left dumbfounded by their greed and ingratitude, according to a local newspaper report.
Chen Sheng, the founder and chairman of drinks company Tiandi No 1 Beverage Inc, put up 200 million yuan (US$31.9 million) for the construction of 258 luxury villas on land provided by local authorities in the village of Guanhu, Guangdong province, five years ago, Southern Metropolis Daily reported.
Each property covers 280 square metres, has five bedrooms, two reception rooms, a garage and a small garden. The development also features a stream with a bridge over it, basketball and badminton courts, and even a stage for hosting traditional operas.
However, although the homes have been ready to move into since the end of last year, they remain unoccupied because of squabbling between villagers over who should get one, or even two.
The report did not say how the properties had initially been allocated, but Chen was quoted as saying that he based the number required on a 2013 census, which said there were 190 households in the village.
