Remarks by S for S at media session on official opening of Huanggang Port (with video)
Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session on the official opening of the Huanggang Port this afternoon (October 9):
Reporter: How many travellers and vehicles does the Government expect to use the port on the first day of its opening? And what will be done to ensure that there will be a smooth opening amid the expected flock of visitors?
Secretary for Security: Thank you for your questions. First of all, I think we have to look at the number of passengers and vehicles at the current port. For the current number of passengers, we have a daily average of about 40 000 and we have 65 000 at the highest, while the new port has the capacity to handle 200 000 passengers. On the first day, we already have that capacity. Regarding vehicles, we have an average of about 9 000 cars per day, and at the highest, we have about 12 000 cars. But now we have the capacity to handle up to 15 000 vehicles. That capacity will be utilised on the first day, so we have full confidence that we can handle the number of passengers and vehicles.
Regarding how to ensure there is a smooth operation of the port area, in fact, before its opening, we have done a lot of preparatory measures, including a lot of drills and exercises. We also have a stress test with up to 20 000 people per hour, which is about two or three times the maximum passenger flow currently we have. We will have maximum manpower on that day to handle unexpected numbers of passengers. We also have a robust system in handling passengers, public transport vehicles and private cars.
In fact, in the opening time, we also engage a lot of ambassadors that we call "port ambassadors", who are familiar with the operation of the port area, to assist members of the public in using the facilities. So, we have full confidence in the smooth operation of the new port.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
Source: AI-found images
Advisory Committee on Water Supplies fully supports Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan to develop Hong Kong into international hub for high-quality development of country's water sector
The following is issued on behalf of the Advisory Committee on Water Supplies:
The Advisory Committee on Water Supplies (ACWS) discussed at its meeting today (October 9) the major policy strategies and initiatives relating to water development set out in the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan) and the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address. Members unanimously expressed support for the relevant strategies and initiatives.
The ACWS is pleased to note the Government's commitment to developing Hong Kong into an international hub for high-quality development of the country's water sector, developing advanced standards for water-related affairs applicable to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and capitalising on Hong Kong as an international demonstration platform for Mainland water-related technologies, where pilot testing, transformation and application can be conducted. These initiatives will assist technologies and enterprises of the Mainland and Hong Kong in going global and provide the international water sector with high-quality and cost-effective water solutions. At the meeting, members offered suggestions to the Government on the relevant strategies and initiatives.
The Chairman of the ACWS, Mr Edmund Leung, said, "The Water Supplies Department (WSD) and the Drainage Services Department will jointly organise the inaugural Hong Kong Water Expo in April next year. The event will provide a new high-level platform for exchanges among water professionals around the world, promoting the close integration of strategic thinking, research and development achievements, and practical applications. It will also facilitate water-related technologies and enterprises of the Mainland and Hong Kong in expanding into international markets. We look forward to the WSD continuing its proactive efforts in taking forward the water-related directions set out in Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan and in developing Hong Kong into an international hub for high-quality development of the country's water sector."
Mr Leung added that the ACWS will continue to provide professional advice to the Government on matters relating to water supplies and promote the continuous enhancement of Hong Kong's water supply services. The ACWS will fully support and align with Hong Kong's Five-Year Plan, actively contributing to the future development of both the nation and Hong Kong.
