Wesermarsch in crisis mode: broken bridges and household hole threaten!

Wesermarsch in crisis mode: broken bridges and household hole threaten!

A turbulent year for the Wesermarsch is shaped by numerous challenges. The district administrator, Stephan Siefken, announced an alarming forecast on December 16, 2024 in the recent district meeting on December 16, 2024: a financial hole of up to 61 million euros is expected by 2028. This situation throws a shadow on the political decisions of the district council, which in the past few months had to deal with urgent infrastructure problems. The damaged railway bridge between Elsfleth and Berne, which was destroyed by an inland ship in February, was a central concern. Investments in a makeshift bridge were quickly promoted, the construction of which was completed within 60 days. However, another collision between a ship and the bridge occurred in July, which led to a new closure, like dike security and slaughterhouse scandal

Deich security was also a alarming problem in the course of the year. In August it became clear that certain dikes did not have the necessary heights, as the deputy head of the building supervision, Sina Vosgerau, said. At 7.20 meters, the connection dike to the Ochtum barrier is significantly lower than the required 8.40 meters. The first reinforcements of the dike are already being planned to ensure security in the region. At the same time, the Elsfleth slaughterhouse attracted nationwide when an animal welfare organization documented grievances in the company on October 27. This led to the immediate closure of the slaughterhouse, and the subsequent discussion about animal welfare violations brought the need for stricter camera monitoring to the fore, as well as Conditionation information

With a focused look at the next steps, those responsible in the Wesermarsch must take urgent measures in order to secure both the infrastructure and improve animal welfare standards. The multitude of challenges will continue to dominate the political discussions in the region and requires quick action to defuse the critical situations.