SPD Slams State for Neglected Dyke Maintenance after Storm Surge
The SPD group in Schleswig-Holstein's state parliament has slammed the state government for its handling of damaged or breached regional dykes following the Baltic Sea storm surge in October. Despite reported damage to some dykes with a low protection status, the state failed to take necessary action, according to coastal protection policy spokesman Thomas Hölck. He criticized the government's answers to a parliamentary question, implying shared responsibility for the damage.
"This negligence means the black-green state government shares the burden," Hölck stated. He urged more generosity in the aid program, particularly for those worst affected by economic ruin. An SPD-proposed motion to provide additional aid failed in the state parliament on Thursday.
Environment Minister Tobias Goldschmidt (Greens) admitted NDR Schleswig-Holstein Magazin that the state's coastal protection authority should have been more present during dyke inspections. However, Hölck faulted the lack of full documentation for these inspections and remedial work over the past decade. "There is no clear overview of dyke conditions or compliance with inspections every two years," he asserted.
Goldschmidt argued that the state does not have legal supervision over water and soil associations, disputing SPD's claim of shared responsibility. Instead, district councils handle this responsibility.
The state government acknowledged that water and soil associations and municipalities bear responsibility for constructing, reinforcing, and maintaining the regional dykes. The Schleswig-Holstein State Agency for Coastal Protection, National Park, and Marine Conservation (LKN.SH) reviews any identified deficiencies. As of now, it's unclear if these deficiencies contributed to the dyke breaches.
With the ongoing criticism, the Civil Protection department might need to reassess its role in securing dyke maintenance and protection. The SPD group advocates for more generous aid to those affected, recognizing a shared role in these matters.
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Enrichment Insights: While Schleswig-Holstein's provincial government has acknowledged responsibility lies with water and soil associations and municipalities, critics argue that the state shares in the blame due to a perceived lack of oversight and oversight neglected responsibilities. Questions remain about the cause of some dyke breaches and whether adequate inspections have occurred in recent years to prevent damages. Further debate and investigation are required to clarify the situation.
