Sambreville will offer free identity photos and compete … with his only photographer: “a disaster”

Its large customers may however melt as snow in the sun because of a decision made recently by the new Sambrevilloise majority: the management of identity photos by the Population and Civil Status service of the municipality, without additional costs for the citizen. A system already in place in Mettet or Onhaye where no photographer is established. “I had already worried this federal project, entitled Live Enrollment and launched in March 2024, with the ex-majority. It had been certified that the municipality would not set up this device so as not to harm the Only independent photographer on the territory.
The manager of Maxi Photo Express does not hide it, the future of his business, as soon as the system is installed, promises to be blurred. “I had a brief exchange on the phone with the bourgmestre, Olivier Bordon, through Rachid Boukamir. He told me that it was no longer possible to go back. For me, it is a Catastrophe.
Identity photo, the basis of his business
His business depends in priority on identity photos. He still has, in recent years, diversified his offer with, in particular, the purchase of a photocopier or a machine to print on t-shirts and cushions. “”These new directions allowed me to survive in an ultra-competitive market. The development of photos, which was my basic activity, is becoming scarce from year to year. People keep their shots on their smartphone, their PC. “
The photographer does not know how he will hold until his retirement, scheduled in three years. There film Do not pass. “Why did the bourgmestre and the aldermen not consulted me before making this decision? We would have reached an agreement. I am an arranging person and I could, if necessary, be retired within a year or two.. How can they make this choice and undermine an independent installed for 28 years in Auvelais? I suppose they will also go to homes and hospitals to take photos as I do today? “