Lokeren (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Lokeren is enhancing its water tourism with a new Water Tourism Centre, attracting visitors. However, outgoing councilor Bruno Reniers criticized the poor condition of jetties, calling them an “embarrassment” and urging repairs to support tourism growth. Alderman Marina Van Hoorick acknowledged ongoing jetty issues, leading to budget discussions for infrastructure assessment and renovation plans.
Lokeren is investing in water tourism to attract visitors and improve recreational options. Last year, the city opened a Water Tourism Centre, which serves as a hub for water activities and highlights Lokeren’s commitment to this growing sector. The center has been well-received, helping to establish Lokeren as a popular destination for tourists seeking unique experiences on the water.
How will Lokeren address jetty repairs to boost water tourism?
It has been said that there are concerns about the condition of some jetties in the city center that are important for water tourism. At a recent council meeting, outgoing councilor Bruno Reniers (MeerdanGroen) described the jetties as “quite an embarrassment” for a city aiming to lead in water tourism. He urged the council to address the repairs, highlighting the need to maintain the infrastructure to support Lokeren’s goals and appeal. Fixing these jetties is crucial for ensuring the success of Lokeren’s water tourism efforts.
The Lokeren port community was informed via email about the partial closure of the jetty, but no details on repairs were provided, according to Reniers. Alderman Marina Van Hoorick (Local Liberal) admitted the jetty has long been problematic. Disagreement among boat owners over whether to install a floating or fixed jetty has led to a budget distribution for assessing the port infrastructure, with a master plan for renovation to follow.
