Sint-Gillis-Waas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – An abandoned crane in Kluizenmeersen, left by a bankrupt company from Boom in 2003, has become a problem for the local government. Mayor Daniels registered it as a “lost object,” giving the owner six months to claim it before the government takes control and potentially sells it.
For many years, the local government had an issue. An abandoned construction crane was unused in the industrial area near Kluizenmeersen. No one knew who owned it or why it was left there. The inspection group OCB found out that the crane belonged to a company from Boom, a town in Antwerp. However, the company went bankrupt in 2003.
The crane had been there for over 20 years, forgotten by its owners. Mayor Daniëls said the company never tried to take it back, leaving the local government with a big, unclaimed machine.
What happens when a town finds an abandoned crane?
According to Officials, the local government needed to decide what to do with the abandoned crane. They mentioned that going to court would be expensive, and they might not get that money back. Instead, they registered the crane as an “expired object.”
The old owner has 6 months to prove they own it. If no one claims it in that time, the government can take control of the crane. Mayor Daniëls said this plan helps avoid extra costs and gives a clear way to fix the problem with the crane.
“It would cost us money as a municipality through the court and that is why we have now registered the crane as an expired object,”
Explains Daniels.
“The owner now has 6 months to prove that the crane is his or her property.”
According to the local government, the abandoned crane could help them to make money. If no one claims it within 6 months, they can sell it. However, they must keep the money from the sale for 5 years.
They mentioned that this rule allows the real owner to claim the money if they come forward later with proof. While this adds some work for the government, it gives them a chance to earn money instead of just paying to remove the crane.
“This crane must be the biggest ‘lost object’ ever.”
Mayor Koen Daniels (N-VA)
Mayor Daniëls joked that the town hall has a lost-and-found, but it mostly holds small things like scarves and gloves. The abandoned crane is much larger and is likely the biggest lost item the town has ever seen. He mentioned that this brings some challenges, but it also adds a funny story to the town’s history.
