The City Council of Emmen has agreed to an additional financial contribution of 7.5 tons for the renovation of the Biochron building, despite considerable criticism and division within politics. The extra costs are the result of serious moisture problems, so that the facade must be completely replaced.
In total, the recovery costs 2.5 million euros, which (minus the part for the municipality) is paid by contractor Koenen Bouw.
What started as a promising renovation project has since grown into a headache file. Various parties expressed strong criticism of the progress and supervision of the project.
The college acknowledged that the situation is far from ideal, but a lawsuit with an uncertain outcome was not preferred. Moreover, this would lead to more costs and more delay, the Commission ruled earlier. If everything goes according to plan, the recovery will be completed at the end of 2025 and cultural organization can deeply move into the building.
In addition to the proposal, the CDA and the PVV also introduced an amendment and a motion respectively. CDA party leader René Wittendorp submitted an amendment in which he indicated that the municipality should get its contribution from the reserves, and should not spread it over several years. “We should not put the bill in future generations,” he thought. The council could agree with this.
Less successful was the motion of the PVV, which questioned the tender procedure in Emmen. Klaas Bosma party leader spoke of a “technical and financial fiasco” and argued for stricter selection criteria in future projects. Contractors who have previously made gross mistakes should be able to be excluded from new assignments according to the motion.
That went a step too far. Including Wakker Emmen, who thought the situation was more complex. “As if the contractor only made mistakes,” says Leo Hoogenberg. That is nevertheless more nuanced, “he said. According to him, there are no other choices in view of the circumstances.” There is no other option to agree. “
PvdA councilor Jeroen Mulder also showed himself realistic: “The contractor and we all feel the pain. But we actually have no choice. Otherwise we will stay with a half-completed artwork from Christof.”
Alderman Jan Bos said he had nothing against the amendment of the CDA. “This is peanuts for our reserve.” He labeled the motion of the PVV as ‘disproportionate’. “If we exclude the parties, these parties will go to court.” With a long -term legal and precious process as a result. “So not a good idea, says Bos.