Denis took over the family business which has existed since 1804. If he pushed the orange Alert us button, it was to let us know of the “problematic” situation in which he currently finds himself. This farmer regularly uses a section of RAVeL, managed by the Public Service of Wallonia, to reach his other site, located on the other side of the Brussels-Charleroi canal. The SPW gave its consent in 2015, but now wishes to withdraw it. Problem ? Denis has no choice but to go through it. It is therefore a real headache for the farmer.
“I am a farmer in Ittre and the farm is landlocked, we have to pass along the canal to reach the road. Despite our authorizations, the SPW Voies Hydrauliques gives us a ticket and threatens to withdraw our authorizations”Denis writes to us via the orange Alert us button.
This farmer owns two farms in Ittre, located on either side of the Brussels-Charleroi canal. To get from one to the other, Denis currently has no choice but to take part of the RAVeL for regarding 300 meters. “We received an authorization to go through it in 2015 and it is valid for 10 years”he informs us.
However, for a few months, Denis explains to us that the police come to control the passage on the towpath and to verbalize the farmer when he circulates with his agricultural machinery. “Even if we show our permits, the agents don’t want to hear anything. They tell us that the permits will be removed. They take our plate and photos and now we are waiting to receive the papers. But legally, they cannot to fine”he said.
And to continue: “We received a warning saying that we were responsible for the degradation of the asphalt. Yes, there are a few potholes, over 20 or 30 meters. But I think they are not the only ones in Wallonia. ”
The only way currently accessible
For Denis, the situation becomes “problem”. If he can no longer go through the RAVeL, he will have to make a detour of several kilometers through the village. Because the nearest road is prohibited for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. “We appeal to common sense! At a time when we are talking regarding ecology and the environmenthe reacts. The section only represents 300 meters, we do not understand this relentlessness.”
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Christiane, her mother, knew the time when a bridge made it possible to cross the canal. It made things much easier. But this bridge was destroyed 60 years ago. “At the time, we were well promised that we would never have any problem circulating along the towpath and therefore allowing us to leave the farm without being permanently locked in”she points out.
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To better understand the situation, we met the mayor of Ittre. Well aware of the situation, he showed us on a map of the town the puzzle of this family of farmers for 4 generations. “He still has to go through the towpath. So it’s true, he’s blocked. Which means that if he wants to go to the other side of his farm, he has to go all the way around”confirme Christian Fayt.
A meeting scheduled soon
The mayor relies on the Service Public de Wallonie (SPW), which manages the RAVeL. A meeting is scheduled soon to find solutions. “What we are going to propose is that we work in partnership between SPW, the municipality and the farmer and that everyone takes their responsibilities at this level. And if there are repairs to be made at the level of the road, the municipality can do them too”he said.
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In the meantime, Denis is stuck on all sides. He hopes to be heard at the scheduled meeting with the authorities. Contacted, the Public Service of Wallonia tells us that it is aware of the situation but did not wish to react before this meeting.