In January again, several sensitive points were flooded in the Celles territory. Sometimes, homes pay a heavy price during flood episodes. The municipal authorities are continuing their efforts, which are already reflected in work on public spaces, around fields and watercourses which cross the entity.
Since Thursday evening, the municipal council has also unanimously approved the possibility of providing a bonus to Cellois citizens who want to protect their homes from these floods. “This is the logical continuation of the citizen meetings and developments that we have been carrying out for a while”, admits Axelle Chantry. The municipality of Celles is counting on the expertise of the Rivière Escaut Lys Contract to solidify its system. “We are talking about a field visit to assess the vulnerability of a home by Martin Frens, for whom the culture of flood risk has almost no secrets”, explains the environmental alderman.
Observe, listen and propose the most effective tools. In Celles, 30 diagnoses have already been carried out via the CREL. A diagnosis that could only be followed by actions, “to make at-risk homes less vulnerable.” An extraordinary envelope of 5,000 euros was released to carry out this project. “If demand persists next year, we will return the same amount to the budget”, confirms Axelle Chantry. “Even small improvements can have a significant impact.”
The anti-flood premium amounts to 80% of the investment made in an individual, for a ceiling set at 500 euros (per home and for a period of 10 years). To obtain this assistance, you must have the purchase invoice for the protection equipment against water intrusion and have submitted the premium request within 6 months of the date of the invoice. “Only the improvements which appear in the diagnosis of the CREL technician are eligible for this bonus.” The environmental alderman specifies that around ten households will be able to benefit from the bonus this year.
As for the work, it can be masonry (wall, gutter, border), drainage (non-return valve, drain) or earthworks. The main thing is to no longer have your feet in the water…
