It won't take long for Huanggang port to open even though the official date has not been announced, according to former secretary for security Lai Tung-kwok.

He was speaking as the Hong Kong Port Area was established as being subject to the SAR’s jurisdiction, with effect from Friday.

System testing as well as operational and emergency drills have to be carried out before the port can enter full operational mode, Lai said.

Speaking on an RTHK programme, he said the tests would pave the way for smoother operations and crossings.

"They have to test whether the whole procedure, the signage and routes are as smooth as the design, and what has to be adjusted, after travellers get off the vehicles and head for clearance checks," he said.

Lai pointed out that under the new arrangement, those departing from the SAR will need to show their home-return permit, instead of their Hong Kong identity card as they normally do.

He said authorities need to ensure that Huanggang port has sufficient staff to step in immediately if travellers encounter any issues.

Lai, who's also a former lawmaker, expects the number of staff required will only increase slightly for the redeveloped port as it mainly adopts self-service clearance, and the Immigration Department had been operating at the round-the-clock infrastructure before its revamp.

Speaking on the same show, DAB legislator Brave Chan called on the public to be patient when using the highly-anticipated redeveloped port, with longer clearance expected in the initial stages as people adapt to the new arrangement.

Authorities, for their part, should take reference from the opening-up of large-scale infrastructures, such as Kai Tak Sports Park, when carrying out stress tests, he added.


Edited by Edmond Fong