Jef Van Damme, deputy mayor of public works for the municipality of Molenbeek, joined us on the water. The canal marks the limit of Molenbeek over 1km, so it’s in their interest too that it becomes green and healthy. We discussed the different problems and possible solutions.
One extra challenge is the proximity to the water, almost inexistant in the center of Brussels. Molenbeek, though, is building a public space ‘La Grande Halle’ at Quai de l’industrie, where the quay will be lowered and people will have easy access and proximity to the water. It’s an important step towards a better integration of our waterways into the fabric of the city.