Bad Sachsa in the turmoil: Refugee accommodation will be permanent!

Bad Sachsa in the turmoil: Refugee accommodation will be permanent!

Bad Sachsa, an idyllic city in the Harz, has been faced with persistent discussions since the opening of an asylum accommodation in November 2023. Originally intended as a temporary solution, the former Paracelsus clinic has now developed into a permanent refuge that offers space for 232 protection seekers from around 30 nations. Contrary to the expectation of many citizens, the state admission authority of Lower Saxony is now planning the expansion to a larger facility, which should start up to 400 people from 2025.

The renovation work is already in full swing. Additional accommodations, playgrounds and a second dining room will be set up, so that 100 more refugees can find a home in the future. This step, emphasizes Hannah Hintze from the state admission authority, is urgently needed to get the increase in asylum applications under control and prevent people from landing on the street. Up to 21,000 refugees will be expected in Lower Saxony until September, as reports www.ndr.de .

skepticism and legal objection

Despite the positive record of facility manager Sandro Schirmer, who says calmly that no significant security problems have occurred, the atmosphere remains shared in Bad Sachsa. Mayor Daniel Quade expresses concerns about the effects of accommodation on the tourism that is vital for the city, which ensures around 55 percent of jobs. He fears that the number of 400 refugees could exceed the city's capacities with its 7,500 inhabitants and therefore lodged legal objection to the expansion plans.

The population is also divided. Many residents do not feel disturbed by the presence of the refugees, but others see the situation more critical. These reservations, some of which are based on prejudices, partly on existence fears, continue to ensure discussion in the small city.

a refuge for particularly protective

Regardless of the concerns, the facility in the former clinic has an important task. It is specially designed for the needs of particularly in need of protection, including people with disabilities, traveling women and mothers with children alone. Around half of the residents are children. The accessibility of the building ensures that wheelchair users also find suitable accommodation here, even if the search for long -term living space is often difficult.

The ongoing information about the expansion is intended to promote transparency and help moderate the continuing tensions. Further details on these developments and the reasons for the expansion plans offer The article by www.ndr.de .