Local politics in Meppel has no trouble with the demand from the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) to accommodate refugees on an asylum boat for two years. Almost 200 asylum seekers will be housed on this boat until February next year. The COA wants to extend this up to and including February 2028.
No party in the city council in Meppel has problems with that. A number of parties do find the location, on the Zomerdijk, unsuitable. The boat is in a speed outside the city, in the middle of the harbor industry. “This place is too sad for words,” says Gert Stam on behalf of the ChristenUnie. “This is not a hospitality.”
“Is it hospitable enough? That is interesting input for us to discuss with COA,” responds Mayor Arjen Maathuis. “We’re going to see if there are adjustments that the COA can take care of and can contribute to a more hospitable environment.” Yet he says that this is the most ideal location, of the locations that are possible. “I can’t help it that Zomerdijk is dead end there. Alternatief is Sethehaven, but then you go even further away from civilization.”
Since 2022, refugees in Meppel have been taken care of on boats. First there was a boat on the Paradijsweg. This location is no longer possible. For example, that area stands for a large metamorphosis and it is planned to construct a bridge there.
The SP would prefer that refugees are no longer being taken care of on a boat. “This is not the right direction, it is pink duration for the COA and you spect the landlord of a boat,” says Xander Topma (SP). “Can’t we look at another way, at a fixed location, organized from the municipality?” Among other things, he receives support from D66. “If possible, no longer in a boat, but we have to do the shelter as generously as possible,” adds Arnoud de Vos (D66). “If necessary via a second boat. Rather not, but look for locations.”
The mayor now finds that discussion ‘too premature’. “That’s because the COA itself looks at efficient and effective layout of the asylum shelter.”