The problems in the operation of the bridges at the Grevelingskanaal in Drenthe are causing considerable problems in the municipality of Aa and Hunze. Last year the municipality had to allocate 116,000 euros, of which 80,000 was incidental.
The problems have not yet been resolved this year, according to questions from councilor Ina Oortwijn (Municipal Interests Aa and Hunze). A shortage of clients at Werkplein Drentsche Aa and a shortage of facilities appear to be the cause.
The bridge operation in the Grevelingen Canal is arranged by the municipality of Midden-Groningen, which forwards the bill to the municipality of Aa en Hunze. An employment agency took over the operation of the bridges until 2024. This allowed prices to be kept low for the municipality.
But according to the municipality of Aa en Hunze, a new party had to be found for last year’s sailing season. Costs increased with the new party. It now turns out to be up to 116,000 euros.
Oortwijn therefore wants action to keep costs for the coming sailing season limited. But the municipality of Aa and Hunze will not succeed. “It can’t be that we have to budget 100,000 euros annually for operating bridges, can it?” she wondered out loud. “Are there any other alternatives?”
According to councilor Richard Heling (VVD), the municipality is currently examining the entire recreational boating industry, of which this is a part. The municipality is therefore looking at whether bridge operation can be done in a different way. “One of the suggestions that has been made is self-service. Our municipality involves fourteen bridges. We say: that is not easy to do.”
He points out environmental risks for skippers and the limited mooring facilities for people to get off the boat. “The barrier operation requires quite a bit of customization,” says Heling.
Another option is to have the bridge served by the Werkplein Drentsche Aa. “But there is currently too little supply of people there, so we cannot do that now.”
