Housing
Sandbags disappear after five years: restoration of Bergen op Zoom quay walls begins
Restoration work on the historic quay walls in Bergen op Zoom’s inner city began on Monday, ending a five-year period where residents endured large sandbags used as a temporary stabilization measure since 2021. The project, costing approximately 7 million euros, aims to reinforce the fragile structures and restore the harbor's historical appearance without damaging surrounding buildings. Alderman Berend Doedens explained that alternative solutions like sheet piling were rejected due to vibration risks. Residents Lenie and Peter Rijstenbil and Wessel van Geel expressed relief at the removal of the unsightly bags. The phased restoration is expected to continue until the end of 2027, with ongoing disruptions anticipated for locals and visitors.
Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's