The reception in sports hall Elzenhagen (65 places) and sports hall Zeeburg (65 places) takes a few days longer than expected. Alderman Rutger Groot Wassink (Refugees) announced this this afternoon.
The asylum seekers have been received since last weekend. That would actually take a week, but the government has asked for a ‘one-time extension’.
Footnote
“We assume that this is actually the case, whereby the comment must be made that central government and COA are responsible for the organization”, writes Great Wassink. “We have indicated that we understand the crisis situation and as a humane city we stand for the reception of refugees, but we also want clear communication towards local residents and users of the sports halls.”
The reception will now last until Tuesday, September 27. “I understand that the athletes who cannot go to their sports hall for another week will be disappointed. As we said in the letter last week, we believe that we as the municipality of Amsterdam should take our role in case of dire need, but would like to emphasize that we found this extension a very difficult decision,” says Groot Wassink.
Floating hotel
Last week it was also announced that the floating hotel Botel in Noord could be used as a shelter. It is now clear that a group of up to 120 people will be accommodated there until 1 October.