Retaining wall makes Harlingen safe for the future

On Tuesday 24 August, Delta Commissioner Wim Kuijken declared the new flood defence retaining wall in Harlingen 'ready for use'.

The retaining wall protects residents against high water. The wall performs the same function as a sea dike and will protect Harlingen from a possible storm surge.

With the first closure of the gates, the Delta Commissioner declared the retaining wall officially ready for use. The gates in the retaining wall are used to link the centre of Harlingen and Willemshaven to one another. They will only be closed in the event of extremely high water and if the safety of the town is threatened. The old retaining wall dating from 1965 has already been demolished.

The gates are being closed. Photography: Joachim de Ruijter

The work consisted of raising the  Tjerk Hiddes locks, the ferry wharf, the barrier on Vlieland and the dikes on Terschelling. And finally, the retaining wall in Harlingen was rebuilt. With the closing of the retaining wall in Harlingen, the last link has been raised to the level of the delta. In the months ahead, several minor jobs will be completed on and around the retaining wall. All work will have been completed by the end of October.

Wetterskip Fryslân began the implementation of this project in 2008. Executive Board member Harry Boon is pleased with the result: "It is not only a magnificent structure, but it is also the last piece of Friesland to be raised to the level of the delta. A wonderful thing for the residents living behind the wall and it enhances the urban landscape as well. The residents are safe for the coming time!"

In his speech, Delta Commissioner Wim Kuijken referred to the completion of the retaining wall as a historic moment: "I would like to congratulate you on this final – late addition – piece of the Delta Plan, this wonderful retaining wall in Harlingen. This is both a historic moment and a bridge to the future. And that is why I am honoured, as Delta Commissioner, in the presence of you all, to perform this act today that, literally and metaphorically, links the delta works of yesterday to the Delta Programme, the delta works of the future."

The Delta Commissioner during his speech. Photography: Joachim de Ruijter

Delta Programme

For Wim Kuijken the completion of the new retaining wall in Harlingen was the start of a three-day working visit to the northern Netherlands. As government commissioner he makes proposals for the Delta Programme, including any financial consequences. The Delta Programme concerns the long-term safety of the Netherlands and ensuring the supply of freshwater in the future.

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