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News item | 05-09-2008
The Delta Commission's report on flood protection over the next hundred years 'lays a foundation for the Netherlands' future', said Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.
In accepting the report, entitled 'Working with Water', the prime minister characterised the Commission's conclusions as 'exceptionally persuasive'.
The Delta Commission, which was headed by former agriculture minister Cees Veerman, was established to examine how to protect the Netherlands, both the coastal regions and the interior, from flooding over the next century.
The Commission predicted a rise in the sea level of between 0.65 to 1.3 metres by 2100 and from 2 to 4 metres by 2200. (These figures also take account of subsidence.)
In its report the Commission makes twelve recommendations for the short and medium term. One suggestion is to make greater use of natural processes in sea defences. In the view of the Commission, the best way to protect the coast from sea flooding is by replenishing sand levels for the entire coastline, from Den Helder to Hoek van Holland and Zeeland.
Other recommendations include strengthening water defences for all diked areas and extending the life of the Oosterschelde storm surge barrier. The Commission also recommends a cost-benefit analysis before building on vulnerable locations.
We are taking up the challenge, said the prime minister, announcing his
government's plans to present a proposal for a new Delta Act in 2009. The
proposal will describe the role of the various parties involved and explain
the funding system. Mr Balkenende remarked that a project of this scope is a
major investment. 'This report has been a real inspiration, and I look
forward to getting to work on this project, together with the relevant
members of the government.'