The Qingmao pedestrian-only border checkpoint in Ilha Verde – the first of its kind in Macao – is due to open in the second half of this year, Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak has confirmed.
The project has largely been completed, and the Infrastructure Development Office officials are now carrying out their final inspections. The project is divided into three parts – the Macao-side checkpoint building, the Zhuhai-side checkpoint building, and the redevelopment of the Duck Channel which runs along the Macao-Zhuhai border.
The Qingmao checkpoint aims to relieve the nearby Barrier Gate checkpoint’s traveller flow pressure, The Macau Post Daily reported. The Duck Channel redevelopment project aims to improve the water quality in order to keep the water clear and odourless through the removal of sludge, the interception of wastewater and the construction of a penstock system.
The whole Qingmao checkpoint complex – including the Zhuhai-side checkpoint building – has been built by the Macao government with the Guangdong government providing all the necessary support tasks.
A joint Macao-mainland immigration and customs clearance system will be adopted at the checkpoint – a 24/7 operation – where travellers will only be required to pass border controls once when completing their departure and arrival formalities.
Wong noted that the Qingmao checkpoint will have 100 e-channels – 50 each for departure and arrival – and four conventional channels. He added that consequently the checkpoint will not need a large number of immigration officers, and any officers working there will primarily be tasked with maintaining order and ensuring the checkpoint’s smooth operations.
Wong said that the installation of facilities in the Macao-side checkpoint building has been completed, while the installation of facilities in the Zhuhai-side checkpoint building is still ongoing. Wong said that after the installation of facilities in the Zhuhai-side checkpoint building is completed, Macao’s law enforcement agencies will carry out tests with their Zhuhai counterparts.
Wong said that after “everything” is prepared, the exact time of the checkpoint’s operational start will be jointly decided by the Macao and Zhuhai governments.
Wong also said that more public transport options will be available in Zhuhai after travellers arrive in the neighbouring city via the Qingmao checkpoint, adding he hopes that more local residents will choose the new checkpoint when they travel to Zhuhai.
