Zhuhai and Macao will team up to improve the hydropower and environment of Canal de Patos (Yachong River) to form a waterfront ecological sightseeing corridor, according to the Construction, Management & Reception Agreement of Overall Improvement for Canal de Patos signed by the two cities on Feb 24.

Canal de Patos is a boundary river between Gongbei in Zhuhai and Macao's Ilha Verde. Due to construction of the Gongbei Checkpoint, its river source was cut off, causing side effects like inadequate fresh water and weak river flow.

Renovated Yachong River [Photo courtesy Guanhai App]

According to the agreement, Macao's Infrastructure Development Office is responsible for project construction, and Zhuhai Water Affairs Bureau provides assistance. Design plans for the river's Zhuhai section will meet domestic standards and requirements, while the Macao section will be built based on Macao regulations. The innovative model is set to provide a new framework for waterworks cooperation between Zhuhai and Macao.

The Macao-funded overall improvement project for the river was included in the Guangdong-Macao new passage cooperation in 2012. Construction started in October 2019 and was finished in July 2021. Water quality of the river and its ecological environment will be improved.

Next, Zhuhai Water Affairs Bureau will sign an additional management agreement with Macao regarding the daily management and overall maintenance of the water body, river bank greening, and related water conservancy facilities of Yachong River.