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🇧🇪 Belgium /Disasters & Emergencies

Genk Transforms Neighborhood into Water-Savvy District to Combat Flooding

From VRT NWS · (9h ago) Dutch Positive tone

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The 'Water-Rich Waterschei' project in Genk, Belgium, has concluded, transforming parts of the neighborhood to mitigate flood risks by managing rainwater locally.
  • The project involved measures like creating green streets, installing infiltration zones (wadi's), and reducing paved surfaces to allow rainwater to be absorbed into the ground, easing pressure on the sewage system and local streams.
  • This climate adaptation initiative, a collaboration between the city, Aquafin, and residents, aims to make the neighborhood more resilient to both intense rainfall and drought periods, with similar projects planned for other flood-prone areas.

VRT NWS reports on the successful completion of the 'Water-Rich Waterschei' project in Genk, highlighting it as a model for climate adaptation and sustainable urban water management. The article emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project, involving the city administration, water company Aquafin, and crucially, the residents of the Waterschei neighborhood.

We have transformed Waterschei into a model neighborhood for water management.

— Karel KriekemansDescribing the success and exemplary nature of the Water-Rich Waterschei project.

The transformation of areas like Taling Park and various streets into 'green streets' with wadi's (infiltration zones) is presented as an innovative solution to persistent waterlogging issues in lower-lying parts of the district. By enabling rainwater to be captured and absorbed locally, the project significantly reduces the burden on the existing sewage infrastructure and prevents polluted water from entering the Stiemerbeek.

We have redesigned several places, such as Taling Park, to capture more rainwater on site.

— Karel KriekemansExplaining specific interventions within the project.

From a Belgian perspective, particularly within Flanders, this project represents a proactive response to the increasing challenges posed by climate change, specifically more extreme weather events. The article quotes Alderman of Public Works Karel Kriekemans, who proudly declares Waterschei transformed into a 'model neighborhood for water management.' This framing underscores a sense of local achievement and innovation.

This not only reduces the pressure on the sewage system and the Stiemerbeek but also creates a green, cool, and social neighborhood.

— Karel KriekemansHighlighting the multiple benefits of the project beyond flood control.

The project's success in capturing over 6.6 million liters of rainwater annually locally is a tangible outcome. Furthermore, the active involvement of residents—through measures like disconnecting roof water, installing rain barrels, and softening front gardens—demonstrates a community-driven approach. While most residents are satisfied, the mention of requests for more parking and play equipment subtly acknowledges the ongoing balance between environmental improvements and residents' daily needs. VRT NWS positions this project not just as a flood prevention measure but as a contribution to a greener, cooler, and more socially cohesive neighborhood.

We are not affected by the water, but residents in the lower areas of the neighborhood are, so we have no problem with adjustments being made in our part of the neighborhood.

— Kurt Van EspenA resident expressing understanding and support for the project's impact on different parts of the neighborhood.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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