Status of assessment

In mid-February, a steering group meeting was held with the aim of determining the results of the assessment of the ground structures. The results of the assessment of the non-water-retaining objects (NWOs) and engineering structures had already been determined last December. In recent months, IV Infra, Arcadis, and RPS have worked hard on the remaining assessment. HHNK then attempted to process all the data in the database. This proved to be a challenging task. Nevertheless, we managed to get almost everything in order. The database as it stands now is therefore sufficient to take the next step: drawing up the safety report. 

Is the database now 100% complete? No, that is not yet the case. At present, the database is approximately 98% complete. There are still a few issues that need to be checked and resolved. However, this will not significantly change the final outcome of the assessment. This has led the steering group to state that it has sufficient confidence in the results of the assessment and that we can proceed with the safety report. In the coming period (weeks), the last 2% of the database will also be resolved so that we will have a complete overview when we move towards the 80% version of the report. 

This decision represents another significant step forward in the assessment of regional flood defenses. It brings us to the final stage of the assessment: reporting. In principle, everything is on track for this. The reporting schedule has been drawn up and finalized for the end of 2023. This means that everyone knows what is expected and when. 

This is why I have indicated that I wish to conclude my work as project leader for the assessment and hand over to Thijs and Jan Willem as contact persons. For me, this marks the end of an incredibly enjoyable and educational two-year period. I am extremely proud of the way in which we have shaped this project together. When I think back to where we were two years ago and everything we have achieved during that period, I can only conclude with a positive feeling. Of course, it wasn't all plain sailing. This project has provided me with many wonderful and valuable learning moments, both in terms of content and on a personal level. I will take all of these with me to my next assignment.

Stefan van den Helder