Worn-out Gongbei Port building set for intensive care

The Zhuhai government will spend 416.26 million yuan ($62 million) to renovate the Checkpoint Building and the weatherproof corridor at Gongbei Port, the Development & Reform Bureau announced on Aug 3.

Port facilities have deteriorated since opening 18 years ago. Air-conditioning, fire extinguishers, and drainage systems, for instance, are seriously damaged. 

The renovation is intended to prevent risks, improve customs efficiency, and upgrade the port's overall image, asserted a spokesperson.

As part of the project, the Customs Clearance Hall on the first floor of the old Checkpoint Building will be closed for renovation.

Gongbei Port [File Photo]

All power lines, water and drainage pipes, fire extinguishers, central air-conditioning pipelines, and the indoor floor plan will be renovated. Indoor surface damages will be repaired.

Other work will be done on the subterranean stilts-tier space structure with water leakage and seepage, tiles of the external wall, outward glass door of the hall, façade, and afforestation.

In the interim, traffic signs and guide facilities will be improved, a new underground parking lot built, and weatherproof corridor replaced with a new single-deck space. 

Temporary access to border-crossing inspection will be set up at the east and west wings during renovations.