Huanggang bill second reading to resume on Friday

A special Legislative Council meeting has been scheduled for Friday on the Huanggang port co-location bill during which its second reading is to resume.

That's after the Legco House Committee completed its vetting of the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area Bill following a four-hour special meeting.

During the meeting on Thursday, Secretary for Security Chris Tang dismissed the possibility of a phased opening for the redeveloped port.

DAB's Yiu Ming asked if authorities would move some of their services from the temporary inspection hall to the new building in phases.

“The answer is no,” Tang said in response.

“We discussed that with the Shenzhen authorities. All personnel and facilities must be moved at the same time, which is why we cannot do it in phases. It is more important for us to do the preparatory work first."

The security minister noted that essential tests and emergency drills can only begin after the local legislation is passed.

“After the establishment of the Hong Kong port area, Shenzhen and Hong Kong will be in the position to carry out tests on all aspects of port operations. These include tests on public transportation, comprehensive emergency drills and stress tests,” he said.

“The SAR government will maintain close contact with our Shenzhen counterparts to finalise the official opening date and announce it to the public after ensuring that the port can operate in a safe and smooth manner.”

While lawmakers generally voiced support for the bill, many asked when the revamped boundary-control facility can begin operation.

Stanley Ng of the Federation of Trade Unions asked whether Hong Kong or Shenzhen would lead emergency responses during extreme situations such as fires or gas leaks at the facility.

Tang stressed that jurisdictional boundaries are clearly defined, saying if an incident occurs in areas under Hong Kong’s jurisdiction, the SAR will take the lead, and vice versa.

He added that Hong Kong and Shenzhen have also reached agreement giving emergency personnel access to the other side in life-threatening situations.

Meanwhile, the security secretary wrote to Legco President Starry Lee, seeking approval for a special council meeting to continue scrutinising the bill.

A meeting has been scheduled for 11am on Friday.

According to a State Council decision, the Hong Kong port area is to be commissioned on July 31 and local legislative work has to be completed before then.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...