Brustem – In Brustem (Sint-Truiden), the CD&V party has condemned the presence of weeds at the former site of De Boomhut school, with Alderman Filip Moers indicating that the city is not responsible for maintenance and that fines may be forthcoming, reports 24brussels.
The site, leased to the Free Subsidized Primary Education Groot Sint-Truiden since September 1, 2003, has ignited political controversy, as opposition members criticized the state of the property on social media, claiming that weeds have overrun the surrounding sidewalks.
Residents have expressed concern regarding the upkeep of public spaces and the delegation of responsibility for their maintenance. Critics argue the grounds have been neglected, highlighting a growing frustration within the community regarding local governance.
What is causing the dispute over weeds at De Boomhut school in Brustem?
Alderman for Facilities Management Filip Moers (Vooruit) dismissed the allegations, stating that the leaseholder bears the responsibility for maintaining the sidewalks, akin to the expectations placed on private residents. He announced that the council would issue a written warning to the school board.
The warning indicates that administrative fines could follow if the situation is not rectified after this final notice. Moers emphasized that Sint-Truiden’s maintenance rules are applied uniformly, encompassing both private citizens and institutions alike.
CD&V leader Ingrid Kempeneers conveyed her disappointment over the city’s handling of the situation, noting the leaseholder’s formal responsibility for the sidewalk’s upkeep. However, she underscored that, despite the lease agreement being signed six months prior, the weed issue persists.
In contrast, the city referenced its new strategy known as “area-based work,” which it claims demonstrates a more robust approach to maintenance. This method involves focusing on one district at a time to perform necessary tasks such as weed removal, green space maintenance, road repairs, and minor infrastructure fixes before moving to the next area.
“We regularly receive positive feedback from residents that the city looks visibly cleaner,”
stated the alderman. In the summer of 2022, opposition parties criticized Sint-Truiden for inadequate weed control in various neighborhoods, arguing that neglected sidewalks contributed to unsafe and unsightly conditions. The majority party defended its position by noting that many of the sidewalks were the responsibility of private property owners or leaseholders rather than the city.
A similar issue arose in Hasselt in 2021 when residents voiced concerns about overgrown weeds along busy thoroughfares. The city reminded property owners of their obligations to maintain sidewalks in front of their properties, warning of fines for non-compliance.
