Halen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The people of Halen are in mourning as Willy Neven (CD&V), former mayor, dies at the age of 76. Neven, who was also recognised as honorary mayor, worked as a councilman, and having almost an entire career committed to politics, he devoted much time to improving the question of water and its utilisation in and around Halen.
He has lost his partner, and they have two children and a grandchild. The city is to open the condolence register on January 20; the people of this city will be able to express their grief to the man who greatly influenced the decision-making process in the region.
From local water management to community policing, this week in Halen bid its final farewell to Willy Neven, the former mayor who worked for the welfare of the people up until his demise at 76. Neven Pitam was elected mayor in 1983–1986 and from 1995–2012 with the major aim of preventing floods.
A condolence register will be opened on January 20. Willy Neven was mayor between 1983–1986 and 1995–2012. Between 1986 and 1991, he served as a deputy with a portfolio on culture and agriculture. More specifically, Neven annually addressed the problem of the catastrophic 1998 floods and subsequent developments of different infrastructural changes to minimise the impact of future calamities. During his period, the community centre De Rietbron and the building that once housed the OCMW and the police were built. In 2014, to appreciate his efforts, he received an honorary mayoral title and also an honorary citizenship of Gravina in the Puglia region.
To leave condolences, residents can sign a special register placed in the city hall from January 20 through January 24. It will be handed over to Neven’s family on January 24. Additionally, those wishing to pay their last respects can attend his funeral on Saturday, January 25, at 10:30 AM in the church of Halen. Their response is best understood from the endearing respect and admiration of the community for Neven, his public service, and his continued legacy at Halen.
What Commitment Did Willy Neven Show to His Community?
Being a politician, the main aspect of Willy Neven’s political life was a consistent focus on Halen’s pressing problems, including water supply. That is why his organisational drive during his term of office yielded tangible results in constructing new amenities and enhancing residential defence against floods. Behind this change is one single event, the floods of 1998, which revealed the frailties of the region, galvanizedven to campaign for safety measures, which are necessary to prevent future disasters.
During his years in the office, Neven tried to make sure that not only Halen effectively found ways to recover from natural disasters but also became prepared to address more problems in the future. These are the improvements in intervention, and these include drainage systems plus general /public areas that became safer and accessible for all the people in the district. The newly built community centre, De Rietbron, shows the path in which Barbe wants to see Halen develop.
Furthermore, Neven left behind positive practices regarding decentralised infrastructure. The latter would embrace the support of community activities and residents’ involvement. About decentralised leadership, he envisaged that instructions between the local structures and citizens were straightforward, and their input was incorporated into decision-making procedures. Besides, it helped to reinforce social cohesion and develop pride in the people of the community in regard to their local government.
Halting to Willy Neven’s suggestion, it can be mentioned that Halen has suggested that his contributions will be felt for generations. The next funeral services and condolence register will allow residents to pay their respect to Gamini while acknowledging the good causes he stood for his entire life: upliftment of communities, early preparation and hard work for better governance of the country and well-being of the people.
