Provinces want more money for monument maintenance

Dutch provinces are calling on the government for more money to maintain national monuments. Without a realistic budget, many monuments may go lost, according to inter-provincial association IPO, ANP reports.

The provinces themselves calculated that an amount of approximately 373 million euros is needed to restore 36 national monuments that are in a bad condition. These include the Soestdijk Palace, the Eusebius church in Arnhem, the Dom-church and tower in Utrecht and Middelburg station and the Sint-Jans catherdral in Den Bosch.

The provinces took over the responsibility for restoring and maintaining national monuments in 2012. Every year the government contributes 20 million euros to that task and the provinces themselves have to carry the rest.

"Provinces are willing to take their responsibility and do so too, but the mandate also needs a realistic contribution from the Government that is in proportion to the task." Fleur Graper, responsible for cultural heritage in Groningen, said on behalf of the provinces. "This assessment indicates that a substantial contribution from the government is necessary to prevent these icons from falling into disrepair."

The IPO is meeting with Minister Jet Bussemaker of Education, Culture and Science to discuss the matter on Monday.