Progress on promising reception location Friessestraat in Boven-Leeuwen

In September 2024, the municipal council of West Maas en Waal established the framework for the implementation of the Distribution Act. In doing so, the council made several important comments: as long as the Distribution Act remains in force, the municipality will implement this Act. If the Act ceases to apply in the future, the municipal council may decide to no longer provide shelter.

In December 2024, the council designated the location on Friessestraat as a promising reception center that meets the established criteria. It is up to the COA to actually set up a reception center here. The COA is also responsible for providing care for asylum seekers. On December 13, 2024, an information meeting was held on this subject for local residents and other interested parties.

Adjusted schedule

After the meeting, the municipality and the COA drew up a rough schedule. According to that initial schedule, the permit process and feasibility study would be completed in the second half of 2025.
However, the COA has encountered delays. These processes have yet to be started. The schedule has therefore been adjusted. The new rough schedule is as follows:

• 2026: Start and completion of the permit process and feasibility study
• 2026: Clarity about the final use of the plot
• 2026/2027: Expected commissioning of the location

In conversation with residents

Alderman Marieke van den Boom: "We understand that residents have questions and concerns about the potential reception location. I notice that this topic is also on the minds of our residents. We are happy to discuss this with everyone. Anyone who would like to share a question or comment is welcome to come by for a cup of coffee."

Residents of West Maas en Waal can make an appointment for this via opvang@westmaasenwaal.nl.

More information

Up-to-date information about the Distribution Act and the promising location can be found at www.westmaasenwaal.nl/spreidingswet.