As previously written, several tragic incidents have once again sparked the debate about the need for fences along Aalborg’s waterfront.
It is only about two months ago that a 25-year-old man lost his life after he fell into the Limfjorden at the stairwell outside Toldbod Plads on a September evening.
The settlement parties in Aalborg Municipality have already decided to set aside half a million kroner in the budget for 2025 to improve port security.
But Jan Nymark Thaysen (V), who is the councilor responsible for security on Aalborg’s waterfront, hopes that the funds can be released as soon as possible:
– I just think it’s about getting fences up in the most exposed places. We have a meeting in the finance committee on Monday, where I want to hear from the parties behind the budget (the Liberals are not part of the budget agreement – red), whether or not there needs to be a turbo. After all, half a million kroner has been set aside with the aim of improving security at the port. But it is the budget parties who must formulate what they want. But I try to push everything I can, he says.
Something has happened
Jan Nymark Thaysen (V) has previously proposed that fences be erected at Obel’s Canal, at the stairwell next to Toldbod Plads and the area at the Utzon Center.
And recently we wrote that work is being done to set up new spots so that the rescue posts can get extra light. And further out to the west, the rescue posts have been moved towards the water.
– The lighting should already have been effected so that the spots on the existing masts have been rotated. In addition, the orange boxes with lifebuoys are now more accessible, it says.
Christmas lunch season is just around the corner. Should we be nervous?
– After all, we have done a lot to improve security over the years. But it is very important if/when the accident happens. For example, ropes at the water’s edge, cameras, the rescue ladders and the lighting.
– But if you remember some of the good advice that has been put forward, it is also very good. It is, for example, always to walk with someone, and if you are drunk, you must not walk along the quayside. And don’t pee in the fjord.
– I agree that you can’t pack everything in, but the three places at Utzon Center, Tolbod Plads and Obels Kanal, I think, will be the right place to start, councilor Jan Nymark Thaysen rounds off.
Concerned mayor
Aalborg’s mayor, Lasse Frimand Jensen (S), was saddened to hear about yet another accident in the Limfjord. He thus says to North Jutland:
– It affects me a lot when someone goes wrong. Now we know neither the identity of the person nor the circumstances surrounding the accident, so it is too early to conclude anything concrete. But I can say that it means a lot to the city council and me.
When asked whether the half a million kroner for increased security should be released now, the mayor says that the money is not earmarked.
– Politicians have opinions on how we should prioritize. But for me it is not important to prioritize attitudes, but rather that we have appointed someone to professionally assess how the money is best used, says Lasse Frimand Jensen.
He refers, among other things, to a collaboration that the municipality has with the police, emergency services and several associations. In addition, experiences are awaited from Aarhus, where fences have been erected along the harbor quay.
– But something must also be started now, which is why we welcome all good input. And more light has been installed, and money has been set aside for more thermal cameras, which are quite effective, says Lasse Frimand Jensen.
There are also lights on ladders, so it is easier to see where you can get out of the water, toilet facilities and the more visible rescue boxes.
The municipality talks, among others, to the association Safe House Aalborg and Natteravnene, which roam Aalborg’s nightlife, about the need for more lighting. But what about Jan Nymark Thaysen’s wish to get fences up in three places as soon as possible?
– For me, it is not a political or ideological question whether there should be a fence. I listen to what makes sense. But the question is whether, on such a large harbor front as ours, it can be narrowed down to a few areas. But I am open to it, if that is what is pointed out professionally, says the mayor.
2024-11-27 16:00:00
#Councilor #accident #fjord #time #start #fences
How does the Aalborg City Council plan to balance public safety with the accessibility and enjoyment of the waterfront?
## Interview with Aalborg Councilor on Waterfront Safety
**Host**: Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the ongoing tragedy of accidents along Aalborg’s waterfront, and we’re joined by Councilor Jan Nymark Thaysen, who’s responsible for security in that area.
Councilor Thaysen, thank you for joining us.
**Councilor Thaysen:** Thank you for having me.
**Host**: As we know, a young man sadly lost his life recently after falling into the Limfjorden. This incident, along with others, has reignited the debate about safety measures along the waterfront. What is the city council doing to address these concerns?
**Councilor Thaysen:** This is a deeply sad situation, and my thoughts are with the family of the young man. We as a council are taking this issue very seriously. We’ve allocated half a million kroner in the 2025 budget for port security improvements – [1] but I’m pushing for these funds to be released as soon as possible. My priority is to erect fences in the most exposed areas, particularly at Obel’s Canal, the stairwell next to Toldbod Plads and the Utzon Center. These are locations that require immediate attention.
**Host**: What are some of the other measures being considered or already in place?
**Councilor Thaysen**: We’ve already made significant improvements in recent years. We’ve improved lighting, moved rescue posts closer to the water, and made lifebuoys more accessible. [1] But clearly, more needs to be done.
**Host**: Some have criticized the emphasis on physical barriers, suggesting that public awareness and responsible behavior are key. What are your thoughts on that?
**Councilor Thaysen**: It’s absolutely true that informing the public about the dangers and encouraging safe behavior is crucial. [1] People should walk with someone, avoid walking along the waterfront when intoxicated, and avoid risky behavior near the water. But we also need to recognize that accidents can happen, and we need to do everything we can to prevent them.
**Host**: Thank you for speaking with us today, Councilor Thaysen. The issue of safety along Aalborg’s waterfront is clearly complex, and I hope the concrete steps you’re taking will contribute to a safer environment for everyone.
**Councilor Thaysen**: Thank you. My hope is that we can find solutions that balance the beauty and accessibility of our waterfront with the safety of all who enjoy it.
