Walloon government burying Perwez bypass project

Antoine's baby

As a reminder, this project was defended by the former mayor of Perwez, Andre Antoine; but also by the proponents of a road solution to mobility and security problems between exit 11 of the E411 and the Perwez zoning. Residents also supported the idea of ​​a bypass. In 2011, the former majority of Andre Antoine had obtained the green lights needed to launch the project. Including that of Ecolo, Philippe Henry. The Intercommunale du Brabant Wallon, project manager, authorized the site and a contractor was appointed. Asked on Tuesday, Andre Antoine again denounced the large sums already spent on this file and the preparations already made. "Do not continue and finish this project, it will come down to not finding a solution for the problems of mobility and security of many inhabitants," said the now communal opposition councilor (DRC +). Recently, Andre Antoine had advanced a figure in front of the Walloon Parliament: 2.8 million euros lost in case of pause in this file, an amount that includes the indemnities payable to the contractor.

The nightmare of farmers

For the farmers affected by the expropriation of their land on the bypass route, the project was a nightmare. "Our fields will be cut in two, and our activities, like the environment, will suffer," they told us recently. Despite judgments that were unfavorable to them, these farmers continued their fight by conducting a series of public and political awareness campaigns. Supported by the new local majority, they called on Minister Henry to return to the green light he granted in 2011. More symbolically, 15 days ago, farmers had recalled their main grievances: an expensive, useless, harmful environmental and other time-consuming project. The announcement of the abandonment of the project is therefore more than appreciated by the farmers. Although some fear that the monster resurfaces one day.

As recently as Monday, other voices were rising against the bypass project. Twenty organizations, including agricultural unions, citizens' groups and NGOs, stepped up to say "Stop!" to the road. In general, these organizations are calling for a moratorium on all work threatening crops in Wallonia.

Recall that the Perwez project is not the only one that has been debated for a long time in the Walloon Region. In Wavre too, the debate is raging. And even if the planning permit has been confirmed by the Walloon executive, there too, a wind of opposition continues to blow. This Sunday, more than a thousand people have made it known by forming a long human chain. It remains to be seen whether the two projects in Wavre and Perwez will lead to the same decisions.