The lock dates back to the twelfth century and has not been in use since the 1970s. It is of great importance as a water inlet to the Oudlandpolder. Without it, the polder would quickly dry out and become salinized, which is detrimental to agriculture and nature. The renovation cost almost 1.9 million euros.
Wim Van Isacker, project manager of the Flemish Land Agency: “What we have done here is the complete restoration of the historic lock and also the water inlet, the gate. We have completely renovated and modernized it, so that it can be controlled much better and can also be controlled remotely. This also ensures that the water inlet functions in the future.”