The river Dijle, which flows through the city centre of Mechelen over a distance of two kilometers, can play an important role in the drainage of rainwater from the urban area. Due to the lack of maintenance of the quay walls over the last few decades, renovation is now needed.
People who live in a house that discharges into the river Dijle are responsible for the maintenance and renovation of their quay walls themselves. Raising people’s awareness, providing them with plenty of information and assisting them with the required surveys and renovations is a vital task of the city.
The city of Mechelen brought together private owners who wish to renovate their quay walls together, and who are looking for an expert/company to do so. Currently, they are looking for an architect or engineer who can investigate the state of the private quay walls, advise and support private owners in the renovation of the quay walls. The next step, approximately at the end of 2019, is selecting a contractor to renovate the quay walls. The city of Mechelen supports the owners as much as possible (in e.g. communications, bringing private owners together, and administration) but has no vote in the selection of engineer, architect or contractor.
Prior to this, the city of Mechelen organized different kind of sessions for the owners, in order to create involvement and support for the renovation of the quay walls.
More information about this project (in Dutch): https://klimaatneutraal.mechelen.be/dijleleeft
The river Dijle can play an important role in the drainage of rainwater from the urban area.
Due to the lack of maintenance of the quay walls during a few decades, these should be renovated.