Halle (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): Alderman Johan Servé (Vooruit) is optimistic about a €1.9 million flood prevention project in Halle, connecting the Groebengracht to the ‘Grote Weide’ meadow. This initiative, supported by the EU and Flemish governments, aims to reduce flooding and enhance local nature by 2025.
Alderman Johan Servé (Vooruit) is happy about a project that aims to reduce flooding in the center of Halle. He has been in charge of public works for 12 years, and this project has been in the works for just as long. Now that it is finally moving ahead, it is expected to help with the flooding problems that have affected some areas of the city.
What flood prevention measures are being implemented at Groebengracht in Halle?
The Groebengracht is a place that gets a lot of water during heavy rain, causing flooding in nearby streets like Victor Baetensstraat, Poststraat, and part of Bergensesteenweg. This creates problems for the community. To help with this, a new project is starting where the Groebengracht will be connected to a large meadow called ‘Grote Weide.’ This meadow will act like a natural area to hold water when it rains a lot, preventing flooding in the nearby streets. It’s already a good spot for water birds and will also become a small nature reserve.
The development plan includes a walking path called Vondelpad for visitors and a lookout tower to watch the wildlife. The project aims to protect the environment and keep the animals in the meadow safe. By managing floods and caring for nature, the city wants to create a space that people can enjoy while respecting the ecosystem. The total cost to fix the flooding and create the nature reserve in Halle is about 1.9 million euros, with the provincial government covering around 1 million euros and the city paying the rest. The project will also get help from different funding sources.
One of the main financial supporters is the European Union, which is giving money through the LIFE-IP Belini project. This project aims to improve water management and protect nature in the area. The Flemish government is also helping through the ‘Living Water’ program, which focuses on improving water quality and sustainably managing water bodies. The Agency for Nature and Forests is providing support through its ‘Green Edge’ program, which helps develop green spaces and environmental projects. The work is set to start in 2025, representing a big investment in both preventing flooding and protecting nature for the city.
