Zeebrugge Action Committee: '1,500 objections to Visart lock'

Objections could be lodged until Friday against the plan to build the new, second sea lock in Zeebrugge on the site of the old Visart lock. That location was chosen by the Flemish government out of six alternatives because it was the cheapest (€1 billion compared to €2 billion for the most expensive alternative), the fastest implementation (six years compared to 12 years), the smallest number of expropriations and no (legal) complications in nature reserves. Many residents have exactly the opposite opinion: a new, large lock at this location in the middle of residential areas will separate residents, cause years of shipyard nuisance and ship engines will deteriorate air quality in the village.