‘Give the river room to flood in new storms’

The Walloon government wants to prevent a new flood in the Vesdre Valley, which leads to the necessary expropriation.

A year and a half after the devastating floods, local authorities in the Vesdre Valley are still grappling with the aftermath. Studying is at the top of the agenda Perennial quarters announced by the Walloon government at the end of December. The City of Verviers alone had to seize and demolish 94 properties, of which 63 were homes. “Immediately after the disaster, we already demolished six homes that were on the verge of collapse,” says Acting Mayor Alexander Lovett. But this time it is not about stability issues. Most of those 63 homes have been renovated and relocated. Perennial quarters He wants to identify danger areas and give Vesdre room to flood in new storms without causing major disasters.

Long-term business at an unexpected cost.

The Verviers try to get as many houses as possible through an amicable settlement, after the mediation of a notary who sets market prices. “But forced forfeiture will follow,” Lovett says. “It will be a long-term mission, with an unexpected cost.” The city itself has also initiated additional support by paying €5,000 to each affected landlord or tenant.

Meanwhile, Minister of Economy and Spatial Planning Willy Borsos (MR) has allocated a second envelope of €3.1 million from the Walloon Disaster Fund to the affected municipalities. “But it’s not enough,” Lovett says. We estimate costs of at least €16 million for expropriation, demolition, waste treatment and site redevelopment. Financial uncertainty affects affected owners.

Louvet started a series of informational meetings in the three hardest hit neighborhoods. If it depends on the PTB, it will move. The radical left opposition party, which had a strong presence in the disaster area from the start, deplored the situation. “Why should the owners first renovate their premises and then force them to move?”

To the question from PTB, Louvet answered: “This is beside the point.” We had absolutely no legal basis for preventing homeowners from repairing their homes. We do now, thanks Perennial quarters. I understand that it is sensitive, some affected owners have been living in the same house for thirty years. This is why these informational meetings are so important. We will explain as best we can why this is the best solution for everyone.