Zoff in Kiel: Refugee accommodation under pressure because of noise and crimes!

Zoff in Kiel: Refugee accommodation under pressure because of noise and crimes!

The refugee accommodation in Arkonastraße in the Kiel district of Wik is in the spotlight after reports on noise pollution and criminal incidents have launched local politics. At the recent meeting of the Kiel Council meeting, the situation on site was debated, which could affect up to 650 refugees. The debate aroused considerable interest and shows how central the topic of integration and security is in urban communities.

The facility is operated by Diakonie Altholstein, and while the surroundings appear sorted at first glance - near a supermarket and houses - residents report changes that they find worrying. A passerby stated that there were recent clashes between residents that he had not observed in the past.

reports on criminal offenses and noise pollution

Current police figures show that around 200 people have become delinquent within a year, which led to a total of 800 investigative proceedings. The most common offenses are thefts and violent clashes, primarily within the community. Residents also complain about noise, such as loud music and disputes. The Wiker local advisory board chairman Torsten Nolte (Greens) notes that the majority of the residents get little from the situation, but the repeated symptoms cannot be ignored.

Some residents reported direct encounters such as begging. Possible burglaries were also found in the nearby parish, which increases uncertainty in the area. Nevertheless, community members emphasize the commitment to intercultural communication.

Difficulties in communication

Communication between residents and residents is a challenge, partly because of the language barriers. Social Department Gerwin Stöcken (SPD) had offered to seek a conversation with the refugees, but complained later that little German or English would be spoken - which makes an open discussion difficult. However, a few residents express themselves positively about community activities to the cleanliness of the environment, even if not everyone involved actively participate.

Problems with cleanliness in the sanitary facilities and noise pollution are also addressed by the residents. Some report that more people are in the accommodation than officially registered. This information contradicts the statements of social department heads who promised to review these allegations.

political discussions and solutions

The discussion about the refugee accommodation was strongly shaped by the position of the AfD in the council meeting, which is critical of the situation. Councilor Carsten Rockstein (CDU) pointed out that not all refugees should be considered problematic, and those who do not adhere to the applicable rules must be consistently met. It is important that the city actively develops solutions and avoids a hermetic view of the people in the accommodation.

In order to address the problem, the social department announced that one wanted to communicate clearly with the residents which behaviors are expected. When disregarded, consequences should follow. In addition, the city plans to create leisure activities to help residents shape a better everyday life. However, the success of these measures must be waited for in order to determine whether the number of crimes actually drops.

For more information and an in-depth discussion about the topic there is a detailed report on www.ndr.de .