Flemish government agrees on extension of Blue Deal to tackle floods and drought

The Flemish government has agreed to continue the Blue Deal, the water plan aimed at making Flanders more resilient to droughts and floods. 330 million euros is available this term for additional projects. That amount could increase during the budget discussions in September.

The plan focuses on regions most at risk of water scarcity or flooding and builds on earlier large-scale programmes. Minister of environment Jo Brouns is especially placing strong emphasis on cooperation through “area coalitions”, where local councils, farmers, companies, nature groups and citizens set “sponge goals” to retain more water in the landscape.

In addition to the 330 million euros, several side investments are planned in other water-related areas. 150 million euros will go to work on non-navigable waterways. The Mobility and Public Works Department will invest 808 million euros in water safety and infrastructure for navigable rivers. Aquafin will spend 1.2 billion euros on water purification. Local councils will receive 1.1 billion euros to upgrade sewer systems.

The plan also includes a proposal to reform water bills, making them fairer and more based on actual use, with special attention to single-person households. 

Environmental group Natuurpunt and the Green party (Groen) have already criticised the current Blue Deal budget as too limited. However, the government says it aims to seek extra funds in the autumn. 

^{#FlandersNewsService | Low water levels in a brook in Lierde © BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}