A new survey from the Horizon Research Group shows more than 40% of Chinese citizens are dissatisfied with the services provided by their local government departments.

The survey covered the 10 cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu, Shenyang, Xi'an, Dalian, Xiamen and Jinan, and eight towns such as Beining in Liaoning and Pengzhou in Sichuan.

Chinese citizens use local government departments for such issues as marriage registration, social security and credential application, and file complaints to the governments if they encounter illegal practices.

The survey, based on 3,258 residents aged between 18 and 60 years old from China's ten large cities and eight small towns, shows that 43.3% of small town residents and 40.7% of urbanites surveyed are displeased with the local government service.

In December 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao called on the nation to boost development for the people and by the people and ensure they enjoy the fruit of development.