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Moerdijk Leaders Propose Phasing Out Village for Powerport Expansion

A Dec. 1 ruling by higher authorities hinges on the municipality’s demand for binding guarantees covering rehousing, compensation, livability.

Overview

  • The municipal executive unveiled a plan to abolish the roughly 1,100-resident village to create space for industrial growth and new energy infrastructure.
  • Residents at a public meeting reacted with tears and anger, questioning what will happen to their homes and graves and calling for fair treatment.
  • The proposal moves first to the municipal council, with the province and national government due to decide on the expansion and the village’s future on 1 December.
  • Local leaders say cooperation depends on enforceable commitments for priority rehousing, financial compensation, and an area fund to maintain quality of life during a long transition.
  • Officials cite a need for about 450 hectares including three energy stations scheduled for construction from 2028 to 2033, and they pledge to prevent the area from becoming a ghost village.