Flood protection on the Rems: urgent need for action despite blockages!

Flood protection on the Rems: urgent need for action despite blockages!

Schorndorf, Deutschland - A dramatic flood scenario was only averted at the Rems at the beginning of June by timely technical measures! A catastrophe prevented rainwater retention basins from Schorndorf, while in the Wieslauftal valley raged in uncontrollable floods. The need for comprehensive flood protection is obvious, but the responsible water associations face a massive problem: Lack of Personnel in a crucial authority blocks progress!

The water associations in the Rems-Murr district have achieved a lot in recent years, but the current plans for flood protection have stalled. Simon Kistner, Head of Department at the Waiblingen district office, reports that the largest flood retention basin in Oppenweiler is under construction, but the update of the flood risk cards by the regional council is long in coming. "Unfortunately, the completion is delayed," explains Kistner, and for a worrying reason: the specialists are missing! The authority has a high priority on the topic, but the personnel bottlenecks make a rapid implementation impossible.

slow progress and long waiting times

The prospects for the Rems and Murr are dark: While the Wieslauf valley may be able to expect new data at the end of next year, the Murr must even wait until summer 2028 at the beginning of 2029 at the beginning of 2029. Only then can the water associations begin with the detailed planning, followed by a lengthy bureaucratic process. Richard Sigel, district administrator of the district, emphasizes the importance of self-provision: "The municipalities cannot lace up all-round carefree package." Everyone should deal with the circumstances of their property and create an emergency plan!

The discussion about the long approval procedures for technical flood protection measures was loud in the environmental committee of the district council. Critics such as the former mayor Christoph Jäger called for faster solutions. But Sigel relativizes the criticism: often it is individual interests that delay or even prevent projects. Time is pushing and flood protection remains a constant challenge in the face of climate change!