by Xinhua writers Hu Yao, Zhou Qiang
MACAO, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chan Chi Fai, a staff member with the General Union of Macao Residents Associations (GUMRA), moved his office in November to Hengqin new area in the city of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, to better serve Macao residents living there.
"We work as a bridge between Macao residents living in Hengqin and local neighborhood committees and government departments," Chan said in an interview with Xinhua.
He often visits Macao newcomers, listens to their appeals and gives feedback to the local neighborhood committees.
Chan and three other experienced colleagues moved to Hengqin after the GUMRA opened its Hengqin service center in November.
The general union is one of the largest civil organizations in Macao, providing social welfare services, such as elderly care and family counseling.
In 2018, it opened an office in the city of Zhongshan, marking the first branch of Macao's non-governmental organizations on the mainland.
As an increasing number of Macao residents chose to work and live in Zhuhai, Zhongshan, and other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), they called for more services for housing, medical care and education.
In Hengqin alone, Macao residents have purchased nearly 6,000 properties of various types, while more than 30,000 Macao residents live in a town in Zhongshan. As of September, more than 2,000 Macao students were studying in universities in Guangdong.
Covering an area of about 2,200 square meters, the Hengqin service center features an entertainment room for the elderly, a children's recreation room, a toy library, a reading room, a multifunctional activity room and a counseling room.
"Cooperation between Hengqin and Macao has gradually expanded from the economic field to the areas of livelihood and social services," said Ng Siu Lai, president of the GUMRA.
Fu Ji Wen, a 61-year-old Macao taxi driver, and his wife have become regular commuters between Hengqin and Macao after they bought a 130-square meter apartment four years ago.
Unfamilar with local conditions in Hengqin, they came cross difficulties from time to time. "Our requests have been responded quickly since the arrival of Chan and his colleagues," Fu said.
"We are like accelerators to help Macao residents integrate into Hengqin," Chan said.
According to the development plan, Hengqin will provide houses and apartments for 10,000 Macao households. With the improvement of public facilities, more and more Macao residents are expected to move to Hengqin for living, studying and working.
So far, more than 300 Macao residents have participated in the basic medical insurance system provided by the local government in Zhuhai, which could only be enjoyed by local residents in the past.
"We are proud of contributing to making the GBA a livable place and suitable for work and travel," Chan said.
