Quite a number of public phones in booths on the streets of Nanjing have been unfortunately damaged, and most of such damages were even done intentionally by some people.

Visitors to Nanjing are always impressed by its well-preserved historical sites, unique cultural atmosphere, lush greenery and wide roads. As a Nanjing resident, however, there is one thing I feel ashamed about. Quite a number of public phones in booths on the streets of Nanjing have been unfortunately damaged, and most of such damages were even done intentionally by some people who are “good at” vandalism. Some receivers, for example, were cut off or broken carelessly. In some extreme cases, phone booths were simply burned to ashes, apparently on purpose.

到南京的游客总是对保存完好的历史古迹，独一无二的文化氛围，郁郁葱葱的树木和宽阔的道路印象深刻。然而，作为一名南京市民，有一件事我感到很羞愧。南京大街上的很多公用电话亭不幸被损坏，并且大部分这样的损坏都是一些喜欢恶搞的人故意所为。比如，一些接收器被切断或不小心弄坏。更有甚者把电话亭烧成灰烬，这显然是故意的。

Setting up phone booths adds much modern color to this old city and represents the improvement of Nanjing’s telecommunication system. And most importantly, these public facilities make it possible for people to communicate with each other cheaply and conveniently, which is a great project that benefits citizens. Therefore, they should be kept in good conditions and always ready for use. This is very important, for it reflects the civilization level of a city in the eyes of visitors.

设立公用电话亭给这座古老的城市增添了许多现代化色彩，显示了南京电信系统的改善。最重要的是，这些公共设施使人们能够方便快捷的进行沟通，是一项市民受益的伟大工程。因此，这些设施应该保持在良好和随时可以使用的状态。这是很重要的，因为它反映了游客眼中一座城市的文明水平。

I think the department concerned should execute stricter management over these facilities and provide timely cleaning and proper maintenance, meanwhile, the media should launch a sweeping campaign to raise people’s awareness of need to protect and take care of public facilities. In some western countries, those who spoil public phones with intentions will be fined heavily and even assume criminal responsibility for such behavior. Nanjing could learn from this practice.

我认为有关部门应该对这些设施执行更为严格的管理并提供及时的清理和适当的维护；同时，媒体应该推出一个清扫活动以提高人民需要爱护公共设施的意识。在一些西方国家，蓄意破坏公用电话的人会受到严重的处罚，有的甚至要对这种行为承担刑事责任。南京也可以借鉴这种做法。