Taxpayer's Black Book: Bridges to Nowhere and Expensive Animals - Koblenz Explores Sewage Sludge Incineration Amidst 'Black Book' Revelations of Costly Investments
Koblenz is exploring sewage sludge incineration, while the 'Black Book' reveals costly public investments. Meanwhile, bat relocation and bike lane controversies emerge in Kirchberg an der Murr and Baden-Baden.
Koblenz is considering converting its partially operational sewage sludge disposal plant to incineration for proper disposal. The gasification stage currently stands idle due to insufficient sludge. The city joins other German municipalities in grappling with waste management challenges.
The 'Public Waste 2025/26', the 53rd edition of the Federal Association of Taxpayers' 'Black Book', spotlights 'expensive shadows' of investments and potential fiscal traps. It highlights wasteful spending, including a 900,000 euro bridge in Radeburg, Saxony, now unused due to lack of funds for connecting highways.
In Kirchberg an der Murr, the mayor questions the need for multiple proofs of bat acceptance in alternative quarters. The municipality spent around 40,000 euros to relocate bats from an old community hall, with demolition delayed until 2027/2028. The bats' acceptance of new quarters is being closely monitored.
Baden-Baden's bike lane initiative faces criticism. The city established a bike street with new markings and signs but rolled it back less than a year later due to low cyclist usage. The city defends the measure, stating it aimed to improve cyclist safety. The responsible state authority for roads and traffic in Saxony plans to complete similar projects once budgetary conditions are met.
Koblenz's exploration of sewage sludge incineration and the 'Black Book's' revelations of costly public investments highlight ongoing challenges in waste management and public spending. Meanwhile, bat relocation and bike lane controversies in Kirchberg an der Murr and Baden-Baden underscore the complexities of balancing environmental concerns and public infrastructure.
