The results of the parliamentary inquiry into gas extraction in Groningen will be presented tomorrow. The consequences of this gas extraction are not limited to our neighboring province. The consequences are also clearly noticeable in Drenthe. In Annerveenschekanaal for example, where many addresses have earthquake damage.
90 addresses in the municipality of Aa and Hunze received a total of 2.5 million euros in earthquake damage. This means an average of almost 28,000 euros per household. But José Prins, resident of the Greveling in Annerveenschekanaal, received less than 650 euros. While her neighbors received compensation of several tens of thousands of euros.
Random seems to be the magic word. Not only in the amount of the compensation, but also in the assessment of earthquake damage research agencies. “We had about 25 cracks when we first reported damage to the IMG,” Prins recalls. Assessor NIVRE resolutely rejected the damage, because it would not have a ‘causal connection’ with earthquakes.
When Prins later reported two new cracks in her home, another agency came by. And that agency concluded that one of those cracks must have been caused by vibrations. It still earned Prince 650 euros. “It’s nothing. We have about 10,000 euros in damage.”
Prins is no longer waiting for a higher compensation and the cracks have now been removed. “To be honest, we are also beaten to death.”
It bothers Prins that Drenthe often seems to be forgotten when it comes to the gas problem in the north. “Don’t get me wrong: it’s not as bad as in Groningen. The suffering they have there is unprecedented. But something is happening here too. We’re shaking bellies too and it’s not laughing.”
From her backyard, Prince can walk straight onto the Groningen countryside. The ditch behind her house separates the two provinces. Instinctively, she might have been better off living on the other side of the ditch. If only to be taken more seriously. “But I prefer to live here. I feel at home in Drenthe.”
Prince actually expects nothing from the parliamentary inquiry. “Two years ago I was still jubilant that the Annerveen (a gas field near Annerveenschekanaal, ed.) was closed. It would get better, I thought. The problems with gas extraction would finally be tackled properly. Well, I have come back from that. “
“I am very curious about the results,” continues Prins. “But I do feel gloomy when I think about it. I expect very little.”
Tomorrow afternoon the results of the parliamentary inquiry will be shared at noon during a press conference in Zeerijp in Groningen. The press conference can be followed live via the website of RTV Drenthe.