© RTL/Archives
The last elections ushered in a new coalition in Steinsel. As the new coalition nears its 100-day milestone in office, a multitude of projects are well underway, but the surge in activity has presented budgetary challenges.
Steinsel has witnessed changes in its political landscape since the municipal elections on 11 June, with the coalition shifting from the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party (LSAP) and the Christian Social People's Party (CSV) to the LSAP and the Democratic Party (DP).
Fernand Marchetti assumed the role of mayor in early 2022, succeeding Jempi Klein. The 74-year-old mayor's re-election has set the stage for the continuation of various projects initiated in the previous term.
However, the financial demands of these plans have exceeded initial estimates. What was once projected at €64 million has now ballooned to over €84 million.
Several factors contribute to this increase. New projects have been added to the municipality's agenda, and the costs associated with the most significant initiatives have surged by up to 25%.
The largest project by far is the reconstruction of Steinsel's town centre, encompassing an underground car park, an extension of the town hall, the creation of green spaces, and a shared area slated for 2027/2028.
In addition, the construction of a new school, housing 14 classrooms and two classrooms for the Art à l'école association, incurs an expenditure of €14 million.
Mayor Marchetti acknowledged the substantial workload, stating: "We are definitely not short of work."
The new school is currently scheduled to open for the start of the new school year in 2024. Although not everyone was happy about the extensive construction works, most residents "put up with it" because they endorse the project, according to the mayor.
However, some projects pose greater challenges. Notably, the new recycling centre, designated for construction in the industrial zone, faces obstacles due to flood risks, leading to withheld permits. In this regard, the municipality had anticipated more cooperation from the Water Management Authority, considering the constraints associated with its location in the Alzette Valley.
However, the inter-municipal swimming pool PIDAL, operated collectively by Lorentzweiler, Steinsel, and Walferdange, is causing even more problems. Mayor Marchetti emphasised the need to address concerns within PIDAL before embarking on expansion plans.
He highlighted a fundamental priority of ensuring that PIDAL's services, currently running at a deficit, transition toward profitability. "Once these services become profitable, I am willing to discuss other plans," Marchetti asserted.
Seeing as the emergency services from Gasperich are unable to consistently reach Steinsel, but also Walferdange and parts of Luxembourg City, in less than 15 minutes, a new barracks for the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) must be built. According to Marchetti, there have already been a few meetings with the CGDIS, and "three to four" possible sites have been proposed, but no definitive one has been retained yet. In November, the three municipalities concerned and the CGDIS will meet again to discuss the project.
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