Strassen and Bertrange wastewater usually flows underground towards Helfenterbruck and is then pumped into the water treatment plant in Beggen via Reckenthal. However, an incident on Tuesday afternoon caused a blockage in the sewer, leading waste water to flood into residents' basements.
The water had risen to half a meter in basements on Rue Kaltacht yesterday, but Luxembourg City firefighters were able to successfully remove much of the water. The problem has not yet been completely resolved.
Affected residents fear the flooding will have caused significant amounts of material damage, some telling RTL they felt 'abandoned' by the Strassen municipal authorities. The main complaints from residents surrounded the fact that it took far too long for the authorities to react.
Upon inquiry, alderman Nico Pundel explained that the priority had been to fix the sewer in question. He added that those residents requiring help clearing out their basements could rely on the municipality for assistance. However, Pundel stressed that those affected must contact their insurers themselves in order for experts to estimate the figure relating to the damage. Afterwards, the municipality's insurers would take over paying out the damages.
The ACL has confirmed that Rue de Reckenthal will be closed to traffic until 6pm on 22 October.
