Referring to the disastrous floods of July 2021, MP Carole Hartmann from the Democratic Party (DP) asked Minister for the Environment Joëlle Welfring in an extended parliamentary question how municipalities are preparing for flood prevention.
In her response, the Minister stressed that “exceptionally heavy rainfall” fell in Luxembourg between 14 and 15 July 2021. She also provided figures on the number of municipalities that have developed a flood risk management concept and the cost of these measures to date.
In total, 48 municipalities have contacted the Water Management Authority to develop flood and torrential rain protection strategies. Seven of them have completely finished their flood prevention and management plan, 27 are still in the process of elaboration, and 14 are in the design stage. As far as subsidies are concerned, €5.5 million has been earmarked for measures, i.e., studies and projects, in 91 cases.
When it comes to concrete prevention measures, the state reimburses up to 90%, and even up to 100% in the case of studies and renaturation measures. Private individuals who wish to invest in flood prevention receive a subsidy of up to 75% with a maximum amount of €20,000.
The Ministry’s goal for renaturation of watercourses is 86 kilometres by 2027.
