Like early morning light revealing the grains in an old wooden wall, the news from Groningen carries both reassurance and change—a reflection of how careful attention can shape new paths forward. In the communities affected by years of tremors beneath the soil, a plan once tested now enters its next chapter: a response to wear and return, not merely repair but renewal. Residents have watched cracks and shifts over time, the homes they built becoming landscapes of memory and challenge. It is in that space—where past vulnerability meets cautious hope—that the Duurzaam Herstel program finds its place, ready for broader work after its trial.
The Instituut Mijnbouwschade Groningen (IMG) has concluded its pilot of the Duurzaam Herstel scheme and, with some adjustments, moved the program into full implementation as of January 1. The initiative focuses on properties where recurring earthquake damage remains a stubborn part of everyday life, aiming not just to fix each crack but to strengthen the underlying structure where necessary.
During the initial trial, the scheme offered a maximum compensation of €125,000 per house. Based on lessons learned, that cap has now been broadened: homeowners may receive up to the full WOZ value of their home—capped at €500,000—if detailed assessments show that deeper work can prevent future damage.
Another key refinement after the pilot sets clearer eligibility criteria: Duurzaam Herstel is now focused on residences within the core earthquake zone that experienced at least four tremors with a minimum intensity of 5 mm/s before January 1, 2026. For those houses, IMG will explore whether preventive construction work can meaningfully reduce repetitive damage.
Participation remains optional, and the institution reaches out directly to homeowners who meet the conditions rather than requiring applications. About 900 cases are currently under review, with roughly 100 already approved for action.
Local advocacy groups have responded with measured optimism, appreciating the focus on core zones with the highest likelihood of recurring damage while voicing concerns about possible interactions with existing strengthening projects. The IMG notes that combining Duurzaam Herstel with other work, such as foundation reinforcement, can be coordinated in a single effort—potentially offering both efficiency and peace of mind to residents.
In shifting from trial to routine practice, the Duurzaam Herstel program stands as a testament to learning from experience and reshaping public response with attentive care. For many in Groningen, where the ground has tested both houses and hearts, this evolved approach aims to restore comfort with a thoughtful gaze toward the future. And though challenges remain, the intention to address the roots of recurring damage echoes in each careful decision made under this renewed framework.
AI Image Disclaimer “Images in this article are AI-generated illustrations, meant for concept only.”
Sources : NOS Regiokrant.info