Water authorities expect to collect more than 3.5 billion euros in taxes this year. That is to say 260 million euros more than what was budgeted last year. The amount of the withdrawal varies considerably depending on the water pension. “The investments needed vary enormously and are ultimately paid for by area residents,” says Vincent Lokin, director of the Union of Water Boards.
“We live in a fairly uninhabitable part of the world, a delta where we can’t really live without management, and that needs work,” Lokin explains the significant amount of taxes budgeted for this year. “We look after safety, so we keep our feet dry, we make sure the water levels are good and the water quality is good quality.”
“We have to be prepared for more extreme weather conditions.”
Different tasks
According to Lokin, the fact that 260 million euros more than last year is needed is mainly due to two factors. ‘First of all, water quality needs to improve, which is why we are making major investments in our sewage systems. And maybe even bigger: we need to be prepared for more extreme weather conditions. Periods of drought lengthen, downpours become heavier, sea levels rise and the ground sinks. Also, it’s getting busier in the Netherlands.’
The amount of the fee varies greatly by water authority, says Lokin, because the task is different for each water authority. ‘In the west of the Netherlands you have to contend with salinization and big crowds. Land subsidence plays a major role in the north, desiccation is a major issue in the south and east, and in the center of the Netherlands, for example, the Rivierenland water utility is facing a huge task of reinforcing the embankments. The costs associated with this and the investment required vary enormously and are ultimately paid for by the residents of the area.’
Explain the importance
A survey by EenVandaag shows that around 46% of people are unclear what exactly water boards are doing. The majority of 63% do not know which issues are important in the water organization where they live. ‘Actually, we don’t do it very well,’ says Lokin, ‘because we’ve been doing our job for a long time and well in silence. And then everyone thinks it’s obvious. We have to keep working on this. Not doing wrong, but explaining what’s important.’
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
