The association of residents of Tarn and Dourbie brought together its office on Monday May 5 by inviting the press. On the program a point on its news, a rant, and a few claws, and the announced meetings.
Visit of victims, parliamentary work: a busy news
In April, Didier Martinez (president for the 18the Year) and three other members made the long trip to Pas-de-Calais (62), in Hucqueliers, a village disaster in 2023. There, the UNALCI (National Union of flood Fight Associations, editor’s note) held its annual general meeting there.
Meetings and exchanges with the victims, the elected officials, the intervention forces, their testimony filled with humanism and compassion rekindled the Millavois memories of 1982.
Above all, they were marked by the reception received from a community which has been one that has been one during and since the storm, and which testifies today and inspires the association in its actions to come around three fundamental issues:
- The evidence of the recurring frequency of climatic hazards,
- the culture of the risk to be transmitted,
- adapted urban developments.
There is a need for a more need to consult local associations on the part of elected officials in place.
In addition, the association actively participates with the UNALCI in the work of parliamentarians who intervene on the subject of the floods to support elected officials, to propose to be able to carry out curetages in the middle of the river bed to recycle the materials or even on the subject of victims compensation. This is the case with the MP made (Pas de Calais) and the Senator Rapin.
Constructions in flood zone: the rant of President Didier Martinez
Didier Martinez is not happy and wants to be known, “We don’t remember the mistakes of the past. »» In its sights, the mixed union of the Tarn Amont (SMBVTA) watershed, Aveyron Habitat and the town planning services of local authorities.
“On the work of the Ladoux stream, we will be very attentive, because it is we who have raised the hare for years, the residents have come to us to defend and represent them. No question of offering riprap everywhere that will only accelerate the watercourse in the event of a flood. »»
“Regarding the Aveyron Habitat project on the Quai Sully Chaliès, we do not even understand why a building permit for a four-story building can still be accepted in this area. Why not make parking lots, or gardens, as before. And with all the real estate projects that there are in Millau, people can go and live in another place than there in the flood zone, especially for 12 dwellings. »» And again: “According to studies, with a flood identical to that of 1982 and the developments made since, there are 60 cm of water in Millau on the quays! »
Note that this current project is the subject of an appeal contesting the building permit. “It is not because Millau is a larger city than those of the victims that we have visited, that it must do anything. »»
Perspectives : communication et influence
The future of the association of residents will be just as active. Beyond the commission work with the UNALCI, from the start of the school year they will be present at the association forum to give information to the new arrivals and the inhabitants who move in in the flood zone.
They will also intervene in Millavois schools in October to transmit risk culture by recalling the danger of floods and behaviors to be held in the event of a flood. The annual simulation exercise will be renewed, it is now “established” and has even experienced successful aftershocks in Mende and Cahors.
Finally, the association will write a questionnaire of ten questions which will be sent to the future candidates for the town hall of Millau. This so that they are committed to different subjects, responsible for ensuring that their commitments are held.
Continue actively with a group of volunteers convinced of their action, many having themselves experienced the floods, it is the leitmotif of Didier Martinez. “” Beware of sleeping water. We are more motivated than ever, we need more dialogues with elected officials. People forget and no longer believe that it can happen. We are there to show them that the danger is always present. »»
