Groningen: Netherlands must cough up more cash for earthquake damage

The province of Groningen and 12 municipalities in the earthquake zone wants the government to cough up more money to deal with damages caused by gas-extraction earthquakes. In an open letter, in the hands of RTV Noord, the province and municipality ask the government to allocate enough financial resources in the Spring Memorandum to implement the plans noted in the plan to make Groningen earthquake resistant. The letter writers call on the government to "take responsibility" so that a new balance can be found between the Groningen residents' "benefits and burdens". According to them, Groningen residents are skeptical about the government and NAM's willingness to invest in real solutions, such as outlined in the plan. The plan referred to in the letter - title Earthquake Resistant and Promising Groningen - was set up by National Coordinator for Groningen Hans Alders. In it he outlines a strategy to strengthen buildings in the province, improve the quality of life in the villages and to stimulate the regional economy. The letter is signed by the municipalities of Groningen, Appingedam, Bedum, Delfzijl, Eemsmond, Hoogezand-Sappemeer, Loppersum, De Marne, Menterwolde, Slochteren, Ten Boer and Winsum as well as by the province. Last month Alders announced that NAM made 10 million euros available to buy homes in Groningen that are unsalable due to the earthquakes.