The rebuilding of a district hit by a disaster - Enschede, the Netherlands

Problem

How do you ensure that the rebuilding of a district that has been hit by a disaster proceeds in such a way that the town’s life is revived to a level thatwas better than ever before?

Description

Three aspects of rebuilding are distinguished:

Social:

• Enschede is monitoring things closely with a ‘victims monitor’.
• The Information and Advice Centre for Firework Disaster Aftercare (IAC) ensures good contact with the victims.
• A registration system helps the IAC to, for example, work in a customer-friendly manner.
• The IAC published a monthly paper to keep interested parties informed.
• In 2005, large-scale events were organised to give the district a lively start.

Economic:

• Enschede contributes (financially) by providing help and guidance to entrepreneurs who were affected.
• Financial support for the affected entrepreneurs who return to Roombeek.
• Enschede creates high-quality job opportunities in the culture, health care and technology sectors.
• Working-at-home and housing-work plots will be built.
• Broadband infrastructure will be laid.

Physical:

• The people affected will have a concrete impact on the reconstruction of the district and their future.
• In consultation with (old) residents, plans were made so that all those affected could return.
• Former residents could commission their own new houses themselves. Three construction consultancies supported the residents in this.
• New groups will be attracted to the area to create a more balanced composition of the population.
• High-quality public areas will be created.
• Space has been reserved for a monument.

Results

A green, lively and mixed district with future value, in which returning and new residents can find their own niche.

Contact info

City of Enschede
F. de Groot