It's still quite a challenge!
Many colleagues working on the programme Dike Walls programme (VBK-3) are aware of the programme scope of the programme . However, the exact task remained somewhat unclear, partly because the assessment and reassessment were still in full swing. The latest results of the re-assessment are trickling in, and we can now finally take stock of VBK-3:
| Project type | project number | Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing projects ground bodies | 15 | 52 km |
| Projects still to be started ground bodies | 34 | 109 miles |
| Total ground bodies | 49 | 161 km |
| Art projects already in progress | 2 | 15 pieces |
| Art projects still to be launched | 2 | 5 pieces |
| Total number of works of art | 4 | 20 pieces |
The new groundworks projects largely consist of simple tasks, such as raising green (grass) embankments or other minor interventions. We therefore estimate that the lead times for planning and implementation will be shorter, enabling us to improve 20 to 25 km per year. However, completing the 161 km task (ongoing and new projects) is not feasible within the agreements to have all rejected flood defences in order by the end of 2030. We are therefore in discussion with our supervisor, the province of North Holland, about how to deal with this. We may need two extra years for the quay improvement, and there is also a small area that can be programmed in the long term (well after 2030) due to its low cost-effectiveness.
We currently have two projects underway for the engineering structures, namely the exploratory phase for a lock and 14 engineering structures from permit holders. We expect to complete these well within schedule with the two projects still to be started.
For those wondering what will happen to the NWO task (non-water-retaining objects): we have assigned this task to the line organization. Within the departments, action plans are drawn up as part of the duty of care processes to determine how the structures (mainly those belonging to third parties) should be managed. The NWO task is therefore not part of theprogramme, because no improvement measures are being implemented outside of it.
What is certain is that we still have a major task ahead of us in the short term. Nevertheless, I expect that we will be able to get most of it done before 2030. This requires both HHNK and the window parties to work efficiently and leave no room for projects to run over schedule. As far as I am concerned, we will succeed!
Roald van Gameren
