Balen seeks solution to flooding on Zillendijk, but nature agency halts work

A horse rider became stuck, while others surrounded by water had to call emergency services. Balen says the flooding on Zillendijk has become a recurring safety problem, and emergency crews struggle to reach the road in wet conditions.

Zillendijk is the only access road to the Scheps nature reserve. It also forms part of the tourist cycling network, bringing many cyclists and walkers to the road. At its lowest point, the dike is almost constantly underwater, according to Balen alderman for the Environment Bert Kenis.

“

A horse rider with his horse became stuck, and other people who were surrounded by water had to call the emergency services.

The municipality proposed installing a structure beneath the road at that lowest point. The measure would allow water to pass through in a controlled way while keeping the road open. Kenis described the intervention as technically relatively simple, and said the municipality had already begun work on the site.

“

At the lowest point of Zillendijk, a structure can be installed beneath the road. This would allow the water to flow through in a controlled way and keep Zillendijk accessible. This intervention is technically relatively simple.

The Agency for Nature and Forests, or ANB, stopped the work, saying a permit had to be requested first. Kenis said he feels the municipality is receiving little support from ANB and the provincial Integrated Water Management Service. He fears the permit procedure could take three to four months, by which time wet weather could make the road impassable again.

Balen says the road is currently unusable for ordinary cars and bicycles and is also causing problems for agricultural traffic. Kenis said the municipality fears the issue is being pushed into the long term rather than addressed quickly.

“

We have the feeling that people want to push this into the long term.