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Federal audit office calls for tougher stance with Valais on Rhône correction project
🇨🇭 Switzerland /Environment & Climate

Federal audit office calls for tougher stance with Valais on Rhône correction project

From Le Temps · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Switzerland's Federal Audit Office urges a firmer stance against Valais on the third correction of the Rhône River.
  • The audit office believes the canton is not sufficiently defending the Confederation's positions in the project.
  • The project aims to protect 100,000 people and prevent 10 billion francs in damages, but faces risks due to Valais's revisions.

Switzerland's Federal Audit Office has recommended that the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) adopt a more assertive approach when dealing with the canton of Valais regarding the ambitious third correction of the Rhône River. The audit office's report suggests that the FOEN has been less stringent with the Valais administration than it might have been with its own internal processes.

it is essential that in the future, the FOEN asserts its demands with more firmness.

— Christine LowardChristine Loward, who authored the report, stressed the need for the Federal Office for the Environment to be more assertive in its dealings with the canton of Valais.

Christine Loward, author of the report, emphasized the necessity for the FOEN to "assert its demands more firmly" in the future. She noted that as of the report's writing, the canton had not yet responded to the Confederation's demands. Loward expressed concern that "the necessary capacities for the design and implementation of the project and its long-term financing are not guaranteed, especially in Valais." She further warned that "this major project involves considerable risks for the Confederation."

the necessary capacities for the design and implementation of the project and its long-term financing are not guaranteed, especially in Valais.

— Christine LowardLoward expressed concerns about the project's feasibility and financial security within the canton of Valais.

The third correction of the Rhône, estimated at 3.6 billion francs with the Confederation funding 2.1 billion, is the nation's most extensive flood protection initiative. It is designed to safeguard 100,000 people along a 162-kilometer stretch and prevent 10 billion francs in damages, while also aiming to restore natural aspects of the Rhône valley. Although the plan was approved in 2016 and a funding credit passed in 2019, the Valais State Council decided in May 2024 to revise the project, with revisions expected by year-end.

This major project involves considerable risks for the Confederation.

— Christine LowardThe report author highlighted the significant financial and implementation risks associated with the Rhône correction project for the Swiss Confederation.

Despite the audit office's recommendations, Environment Minister Franz Ruppen stated, "In my view, there is no question of a severe report regarding the canton." The situation highlights ongoing tensions between federal and cantonal authorities over the project's scope, financing, and implementation, with the audit office pushing for greater federal control and firmer negotiation tactics.

In my view, there is no question of a severe report regarding the canton.

— Franz RuppenEnvironment Minister Franz Ruppen offered a different perspective on the audit office's findings concerning the canton of Valais.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Temps in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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