Menen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – vzw Attawba plans a socio-cultural centre in Menen near the station. At an information evening, Abdourahman Elkhayat Akhyach reassured locals about traffic, noise, and visitor numbers (max 250).
As VRT News reported, in Menen, in the province of West Flanders, Belgium, the local Muslim community, represented by vzw Attawba, is planning to create a socio-cultural centre. It will be in a former interior design shop. The shop is near the train station.
They mentioned that the goal is to have a place for learning, culture, and community events. People are interested, but some are also a bit concerned. Recently, they held an information evening. This was to show locals what the centre would be like. People could visit and ask questions.
Some residents, like Katrien, are cautiously optimistic. They think the building and idea are good, but they want to see how it works out. A common worry is about potential problems. Concerns include extra traffic and noise in the already busy area.
How will Menen residents respond to VZW Attawba’s plans?
During the information evening, Abdourahman Elkhayat Akhyach from vzw Attawba spoke. He addressed the community’s worries directly. He said many visitors would walk or take the train. This is because many community members live nearby, and the station is also close by.
To help with parking, they plan to remove some garages. This will create more parking spaces. They mentioned that this was reassuring for residents like Willy and Ghislaine. However, they still have questions about how the centre will work. The group is open and willing to change.
At the information evening in Menen, vzw Attawba gave more details about the planned socio-cultural centre. Residents were concerned about potential crowding and disturbances, particularly during events. Abdourahman Elkhayat Akhyach, representing the organisation, clarified that the expected foot traffic would be moderate and manageable.
He explained that the only significant peak in attendance would be during the Friday sermon. He mentioned that this event typically draws a slightly larger crowd. However, even this gathering lasts only about 30 minutes and concludes by 2 p.m., well before the city’s afternoon rush hour, which starts around 3 p.m.
He also corrected misunderstandings about the number of visitors, noting that some people imagined up to a thousand attendees. In reality, the organisation anticipates a maximum of 150 to 250 people.
The project is still going through official processes, with an environmental permit application pending. Abdourahman hopes the city council will assess the project fairly. He wants to keep a good conversation going and avoid arguments, especially given the sensitive nature of the project.
Although food and drinks were prepared for about 200 people, fewer people showed up. Abdourahman was still pleased with the event. However, he regretted that many critics from social media did not attend to hear the explanations or see the building.
