Progress Assessed in Enhancing Flood Defenses in Bernburg, According to Willingmann
Flood-hit Bernburg Gets a New Lease of Life with a Protection Ring
In the wake of the 2013 floods, Bernburg (Saale) found itself in dire need of a facelift. The Saale river, in its fury, flooded the town, hammering home the need for efficient city protection. Fast forward to 2025, Minister of Environment, Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann, paid a visit to Bernburg to check out the extensive construction works aimed at fortifying the city against future floods.
A whopping 12.5 million Euros, a portion of which came from the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRE), has been allotted for these measures, which are currently gaining momentum.
Against the backdrop of advancing climate change and the potential for more frequent extreme weather events like heavy rain in Saxony-Anhalt, Willingmann underscores the necessity of preparing cities, such as Bernburg, to withstand floods. Even in tight fiscal climates, investments in flood protection continue to rank high on the Ministry's priority list.
The flood protection ring will encircle Bernburg valley town in four construction phases. The first phase was wrapped up in December 2024, while the second and third phases are underway, slated for completion in 2026. The fourth and final phase is scheduled for 2027.
The city of Bernburg is spearheading the project's planning and implementation, with the State Office for Flood Protection and Water Management Saxony-Anhalt offering advisory support. The contract between the two entities was signed in 2019.
Sheet pile and reinforced concrete walls are predominantly used in the construction, with around 5,000 m² of sheet pile walls and approximately 800 m³ of reinforced concrete earmarked for the second and third phases alone. Existing retaining walls have been reinforced with glass elements, and mobile elements supplement the facilities. Reforestation will be carried out to replace the trees that will be felled.
Dr. Silvia Ristow, the Mayor of Bernburg, expressed her delight about the collaboration between the LHW and the city of Bernburg, hoping that "the weather gods will not demand a practical test for a long time."
The flood protection efforts for Bernburg's valley town form part of the state strategy "Stable in Climate Change." Some 179 million Euros have been invested in the Salzland district for the implementation of the flood protection concept between 2002 and 2024.
Interested in learning more about the practical aspects of the flood protection ring in Bernburg, such as the current timeline, funding sources, or construction materials? Look no further than official local government sources, local news outlets, or let me help you find the latest updates!
- The current economic and social policy of the German government, as represented by Minister of Environment Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann, includes priority on policy-and-legislation related to environmental-science, such as flood protection and climate-change mitigation.
- The fortification of Bernburg against future floods is a significant investment in science and technology, including weather-forecasting and construction materials like sheet pile and reinforced concrete walls.
- The flood protection ring in Bernburg is a collaborative project between the city and the State Office for Flood Protection and Water Management Saxony-Anhalt, with funding from the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRE) and other sources.
- The implementation of the flood protection concept in the Salzland district, which includes Bernburg, is part of the general-news agenda, given the advancement of climate-change and the potential for more frequent extreme weather events like heavy rain in the region.
