Legion blocks for The Kemp as emergency flood control measure
Since the high water in July 2021, the municipality of Leudal has been working intensively on measures to prevent a recurrence. After extensive research and consultation with residents, it was decided to deploy legioblocks as a temporary emergency dike in case of imminent high water. This choice is the result of a period in which the municipality and residents continued to talk with each other, sometimes firmly but always with the same goal: a safe living environment. Alderman Pieke Houben emphasizes that this solution came about together with the residents.
Alderman Pieke Houben:
As a municipality, we are not obliged to these measures. But as a College we feel the responsibility to offer protection to the inhabitants concerned, even in situations where complete permanent measures have not yet been realized. The present variant with legioblocks, can be deployed quickly in case of a threat of high water and they are a good intermediate step. In addition to this variant, the municipality will investigate with residents the possibilities for a primary flood defense or permanent dike. This route requires broader support and cooperation from various authorities and local residents. For now, we are happy to have an agreement on a solid emergency measure that offers our residents a sense of security. A solution from the past, but upgraded to today's requirements. The discussions were sometimes sharp, but it is thanks to the constructively critical approach of involved residents that we arrived at this solution.
Temporary safety net
In the event of predicted high water, legion blocks are constructed along critical sections of The Kemp. Residents are then informed in a timely manner about when the emergency measure will become active and which parts of the road or surrounding area may have accessibility restrictions. Responsibility for the primary flood barrier lies with the Department of Public Works. This emergency legio-block measure is intended to be a temporary emergency measure until thorough improvements, such as raising the retention basin inlet, are completed.
City Council
On Nov. 18, it is up to the City Council to make a final decision on this, including the additional financial resources needed to do so.