The soil contains all kinds of heavy metals from that former industry, and it is time for everything to be cleaned up. A gigantic operation, and it is not cheap either. But with support from the government, it is now finally possible. Abels: “The water board can use government subsidies. We receive 90 percent subsidy, so we now have a great opportunity to clean up the mess.”
Houseboats moved
The water board will be busy on Prinseneiland until April next year. Every day, 1 or 2 houseboats are briefly removed so that the dredging machine can easily reach them. In total there are about thirty houseboats. This morning, Jonah Freud’s ship was moved a little, to the other side of the water. She watches the work from the aft deck. “It’s a bit of a hassle, but it’s for a good cause. We first received a letter and then there was an information evening. Our ship was appraised, and someone came to inspect it to see if any seams would open after this short passage or after dredging. Then someone also came to check whether all connections were in order. Well, a lot of hassle.”