On July 7, 2024, the Sarthe prefecture warned of a significant risk of flooding in La Guierche. At issue: the dam located on the Sarthe, upstream of the left bank mill, which threatened to give way. What about today? The mayor, Éric Bourge, returned to this incident during a meeting at the town hall, in the presence of farmers, the owner of the dam, and Véronique Cantin, vice-president of the departmental council.
“Of course, the work is old, it is at least two to three centuries old, but it is maintained, even if it was difficult to do so this year, due to the repeated rains,” says Éric Bourge. The owner is responsible for repairing the dam, but the recommended work is technically complex and current weather conditions make interventions difficult to maintain the concrete structure. « Despite this, the owner has undertaken, in collaboration with the public authorities, to do its utmost, continues the mayor. The future of the dam is uncertain and its sustainability could be called into question, which would be regrettable from a landscape point of view and for the development of tourist activities such as canoeing. »
Projects could be impacted
The future of the dam could also impact projects under study in the town. Like that of the development of the edge of Sarthe, presented to elected officials two years ago.
The town has a polygon of 5,500 m², located on the left bank of the river upstream of the metal bridge which connects La Guierche to Souillé. Today, this space already benefits from a picnic area and is connected to the network of hiking trails. Outdoor gym modules are freely accessible.
In the future, several projects could be considered: the installation of a play structure for children, the creation of a temporary summer tavern, the installation of a fishing pontoon , the development of a departure and arrival point for canoeing. “So many projects interacting with the dam and the water level”, advises Éric Bourge.
