Event announcement of the vonAntennen Brandenburg:
Dispute over water, crisis in the Strausberg Erkner water board - when public services become a political issue... What happens next? On 12 September 2023, we will be discussing the most pressing questions with experts and those affected at the Antenne regulars' table in the Kulturhaus Rüdersdorf. Join us!
The dispute over water in East Brandenburg is escalating. As lakes dry up and groundwater levels fall, more and more people and companies are moving to the region. The Strausberg Erkner Water Association (WSE) should actually be supplying them with water. But the association is now blocking many construction projects, such as school buildings or new industrial estates, because it says it lacks water. According to WSE, only the state can change this by allowing WSE to pump more water from the ground. The state, however, waves this away: WSE has enough reserves. In addition, water supply is a matter for the municipalities and not the state.
Things could now be moving: Several mayors from the municipalities that have joined together in the WSE have filed motions to vote out the current WSE boss Andre Bähler and his deputy Gerd Windisch. The mayors are of the opinion that Bähler is not interested in constructive solutions, but only points the finger at the state of Brandenburg. Other mayors from the association assembly, on the other hand, support Bähler and his blockade stance.
Before the association assembly decides on 27 September whether Bähler and Windisch will be dismissed, we therefore want to clarify the situation at an Antenne Stammtisch: Who is right in the dispute? Should the state authorise more water extraction or should the WSE help itself? How bad is the water shortage anyway? What does it mean for the local people? What long-term solutions are conceivable? And does the region have to choose between sustainable water management and economic development?
These questions will be discussed with representatives from local authorities, the state, the water board and the scientific community on 12 September at 6.30 pm in the Kulturhaus Rüdersdorf, Kalkberger Platz 31, 15562 Rüdersdorf. The public is also cordially invited to ask questions and take part in the debate. Admission is free.
When:
12/09/2023, 6:30 pm
Where:
Kulturhaus, Rüdersdorf
Kalkberger Pl. 31
15562 Rüdersdorf bei Berlin