2023-07-13 04:00:00
July 14 marks the 2nd anniversary of the 2021 floods. They claimed 39 lives and disrupted the lives of many people. In the most affected municipalities, once the waters receded, the victims found themselves faced with a choice: to leave or to stay. In Pepinster, many residents have left.
2,400 houses were damaged in Pepinster. A hundred of them are still in the same state as two years ago, because their owner was poorly insured or not insured at all. The town lost 620 inhabitants, 7% of its population, even if it did a lot not to become a ghost town.
“We were helped a lot. Especially by the municipality which offered 25,000 euros to all the traders who restarted, on condition of staying for five years”specifies Christian Xhaflaire, optician.
With its many houses torn by the river, Pepinster, these were the most spectacular images, they are partly explained by a particular situation: the confluence between the Vesdre and the Hogne.
Read also Trooz, 2 years following the floods: “We have 60 million euros in damage” and 60 years of work?
We were starting to pick up landmarks once more
“We absolutely have to do a series of works so that there are temporary immersion zones in order to reduce the levels in the center of Pepinster, the day when unfortunately floods will happen once more”explains the Mayor, Philippe Godin.
To create these spaces, an old textile factory must be demolished, as well as regarding thirty houses. That of Sylvain is concerned, while it has just been completely renovated: “It’s the municipality that accepted that we go back in since December 11. We were starting to regain benchmarks, especially with my daughter who is disabled. And then, we were told that overnight: you have well done, now you can go somewhere else”.
We put our hearts into the house
“Unfortunately, the decisions were taken very late and a number of local residents have repaired their homes. It is obvious that they will be compensated at fair value, so that they can find new accommodation elsewhere”justifies the mayor of Pepinster.
Kitchen, ceiling, tiles, electricity, in Sylvain’s house the bill for the work amounts to 150,000 euros. “Yes, it’s absurd”reacts Sylvain, with a small smile, even if: “Inwardly, I’m furious, because we put our hearts into the house”he confides.
To redraw the valleys and reduce the impact of the next floods, the Walloon Region has planned a budget of 453 million euros.
Anniversary floods Pepinster demolition July 2021 floods
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