Clarity about the management of canal banks along Frisian waterways

Fryslân is the water province of the Netherlands, where you can sail on canals, waterways, and lakes. It wasn't always clear who was responsible for the management and maintenance of these waterfronts. That's why the joint authorities have worked on a clear division, which is shown on a map. This map can be found at www.fryslan.frl/oeversvaarwegen.

This map will provide insight into who will manage which bank side. Often this is one of the authorities. In some cases, it is citizens or companies. Under certain conditions, they can receive a financial contribution for this. The subsidy scheme is expected to be launched before the summer of 2024.

Multiple interests

A bank often serves multiple interests. For example, the province and municipalities are committed to maintaining waterways. Wetterskip Fryslân ensures a good supply and discharge of water, and therefore banks must be able to withstand strong currents. And sometimes a bank needs to be strengthened to protect a backyard, meadow, or dike behind it. Therefore, it is important to be clear about who is managing a bank.

Division of responsibilities

During the allocation of management along the official Frisian waterways, consideration was given to who has the greatest interest in a well-maintained embankment. That party is then responsible for the management and maintenance. If there are multiple interests, the government sometimes contributes through a subsidy. With the signing of the cooperation agreement 'Oevers en Vaarwegen' (Banks and Waterways), the responsibility for the management and maintenance of all embankments along the waterways has been formally established. This way, residents, businesses, and the government know where they stand.