AGM and introduction consortium Grensmaas
On 2 April 2016, we organised our annual General Members' Meeting (ALV) in Schipperskerk, municipality of Sittard-Geleen. The ALV was combined with an interesting excursion to a new phase from the Grensmaas project to widen the Meuse as an additional protection measure during high Meuse flows. This all stems from plans by Rijkswaterstaat after the major floods in Limburg in 1993 and 1995. The costs of the widening project are borne by gravel extraction in the area between Elsloo and the area north of Schipperskerk. A special feature is that work is being done on both sides of the Maas, which is a border river here (hence the name Grensmaas project), so both in Dutch Limburg and Belgian Limburg.
Mr F. Verhoeven (project leader) explained the project on the Dutch side, on behalf of the Grensmaas consortium.
On the Belgian side, the story was told by a representative of NV de Scheepvaart, the Flemish sister organisation of Rijkswaterstaat in the Netherlands. It was also very interesting to learn about the different working methods in the projects on both sides of the Grensmaas.
After both these fascinating explanations, our group went on foot to the special viewpoint at Schipperskerk, enjoying a bright sunshine. Here we could see, how extensive the work area is and how the contractors of the project work. First, a layer of earth is removed before accessing the deeper, gravelly layers. These layers are then excavated by special gravel processing machines. At Schipperskerk we could also see, that a special inner harbour is under construction here. From this inner harbour it will soon be possible to bring in machinery and remove building materials via water.
Eventually, in a few years' time, the reclamation activities will end and a beautiful nature area will be completed along the Grensmaas, as the final plan for this work.
Finally, KIVI Limburg South offered its members and the introductions present drinks in the former Schipperskerkje, now Mrs Russel's studio and atmospheric room.
w.g. Jan Weerts
Description
The board of KIVI - Region Limburg South has the honour to invite you and one guest to the general members' meeting. The meeting will again be combined with an activity. A contribution of € 5 is requested for participants in the activity (to be paid on the spot to the treasurer)
Location General Members' Meeting: Galerie Marie,
Sterre der Zeeplein 12
6124 AR Schipperskerk (Papenhoven)
Activity: Excursion to the "Grensmaas" project
The programme is as follows:
12.15 - 12.30 Walk-in for the ALV 2016 KIVI Region Limburg South, with coffee.
12.30 - 13.15 General Assembly of Members KIVI Region Limburg South
13.15 - 13.30 Walk-in for the afternoon excursion, with coffee and flan
13.30 - 13.45 Introduction consortium Grensmaas
13.45 - 14.30 Explanation of the approach of the project, and progress up to now
14.30 - 15.00 Explanation by Belgian colleagues of "NV de Scheepvaart"
15.00 - 16.00 Walk to the viewpoint over the project site
16.00 - 17.00 Ask questions / network while enjoying a snack and a drink
17.30 End of programme
Location
Sterre der Zeeplein 12, 6124 AR Schipperskerk
Organiser
Region Limburg South
Name and contact details for information
Ing. Bert Hanssen
