Again it takes longer before the Ministry of Defense comes with a definitive answer about potential fighter jets in Eelde and expansion of De Haar training ground at Assen. State Secretary Tuinman has informed the House of Representatives that he needs more time for a careful process. That means that the environment is even longer in the dark.
Marieke Dikboom (20) wants to take over the farm shop Smilande on the Eekhoutswijk in Smilde with her brother. Both have chosen a study that fits that dream and now work full -time in the company. But since the Defense announcement that De Haar Meerfrarein may expand, the unrest strikes. The farm shop is in one of the search areas of Defense and may have to give way.
“We just don’t know where we stand,” says Dikboom. “Two months is long for us. Stagnation is decline.”
The farm has been part of the family for a hundred years. “My grandfather’s father started it,” says Dikboom. The store was added eight years ago. As a 11-year-old girl, she still helped with the carpentry of the walls, she remembers.
Two years ago the barn was renovated. There are now 30 solar panels on the roof. “Everything with a view to the future,” she says. “Very honestly: if the shed has to get off in a few years, it is a shame. Not just the money, but also of the material.”
Refurbishing the barn is an investment that she will not just do anymore. For example, the expansion of the store is also considered, but that plan is in the refrigerator. “Yes, can you continue that? Can’t you continue that? You can expand, but if you are no longer there in a year, what is the expansion for?”
Mayor Jan Zwiers is familiar with the signals from residents and entrepreneurs. “We regret the delay. It gives uncertainty where and whether it will happen,” he says. “This could increase the damage.”
It is not without reason that the Municipality of Midden-Drenthe indicated to the Ministry of Defense that there must already be thought about socio-economic damage. Damage that is already there.
Even when it comes to the housing market, for example. “What if an older couple can no longer live at home and now have to sell things right now?” Swiers wonders. “Then in theory they could get less money for their house. Will they soon be compensated?”
“Whoever has to submit the claims and where, is not yet clear,” explains Zwiers. “It must be more concrete for that. Defense must think about that.”
Dikboom is clear: they are not going to move. There is already damage. She notices that the verges and roads in the direction of the store are in a poor condition. According to Dikboom, the municipality has not gotten much to do so now to tackle it, so that customers no longer like to drive on the road. “Logical, but it doesn’t benefit us like this.”