The earth will no longer sink when all major industrial and infrastructure projects have been finished, the bureau was quoted as saying.

"As long as no other big underground construction is conducted and the underground water won't continuously be pumping out, the Jinshazhou region should remain stable," the bureau said.

However, a Jinshazhou resident, who only gave his surname as Liang, said he is really worried.

Liang said he has found big cracks in the ceilings and the outer walls of his home. "And the interior walls have also begun to peel off."

He said he is worried about the quality of his apartment.

Located in the western part of Guangzhou, Jinshazhou is a new residential area bordering the city of Foshan with a population of more than 100,000. Property prices in Jinshazhou have reached more than 12,000 yuan per sq meter.

In addition to supermarkets, bazaars, schools and kindergartens that have been put to use, a new hospital is also being planned in the estate.

Sun Guangmang, director of Guangzhou Institute of Geological Survey, said the complicated geology under Jinshazhou contributes to the sinking.