John Lee targets early opening of new Huanggang port
HK01 · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said Hong Kong and Shenzhen are aiming to open the new Huanggang Port as soon as possible, but only after making sure operations are safe, smooth and orderly. Speaking after the final district consultation session for his Policy Address, he said the Hong Kong port area has been handed over, though some facilities still need additional equipment before the crossing can begin operating.
Key Points
- Lee was asked after the final Policy Address district consultation whether he would push to open the new Huanggang Port before National Day on October 1.
- He said his position is that the crossing should open as early as possible, but only if operations can be smooth, safe and orderly.
- The authorities have accepted the buildings in the Hong Kong port area, but some locations still need extra equipment, including computer systems.
- Before opening, the government will conduct extensive tests covering system performance, stress tests, emergency response drills and transport arrangements.
- Civil servants will take part in drills so officials can check whether the system can handle heavy passenger flows on the first day.
Why It Matters
The timetable now depends less on a target date than on whether testing shows the new crossing can cope with large crowds without disruption. Lee said experience from the opening of Kai Tak Sports Park showed that extensive rehearsals help ensure smoother operations on day one, and that both governments are working actively and seriously toward an early launch.