The Economist:
Once feted as saviours in much of Africa, Chinese have come to be viewed with mixed feelings—especially in smaller countries where China’s weight is felt all the more. To blame, in part, are poor business practices imported alongside goods and services. Chinese construction work can be slapdash and buildings erected by mainland firms have on occasion fallen apart. A hospital in Luanda, the capital of Angola, was opened with great fanfare but cracks appeared in the walls within a few months and it soon closed. The Chinese-built road from Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, to Chirundu, 130km (81 miles) to the south-east, was quickly swept away by rains.
Here for more.
Interesting that a day after the Economist runs this story, China’s daily newspaper, operated by the Chinese Communist Party, runs THIS story: “China works with international organizations in providing foreign aid”.
“Cooperating with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, China had sent more than 700 agricultural experts and technicians to Africa, the Caribbean and the Asia-Pacific area by the end of 2009” http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90776/90883/7357890.html
Also recommend Deborah Bratigam’s recent blog post for even more information: http://www.chinaafricarealstory.com/2011/04/chinese-aid-and-luanda-general-hospital.html