Belgium Builds Flood Control Basins to Restore Wetlands

Authorities in the Belgian municipalities of Wasseiges are completing construction on three flood control basins to mitigate recurring inundations of the Rhée river. The river regularly overflows in Meeffe, Liège province, sometimes rising as high as 80 centimeters during significant floods five years ago. These basins are part of a regional land management plan dating back over 20 years, designed to address upstream causes of flooding.

The basins will hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water, equivalent to 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools, and are designed to drain within 12 to 24 hours. Beyond flood protection, the project aims to restore biodiversity by creating permanent wetlands. One basin will be closed to the public to protect wildlife, while others will serve as bird observatories and educational areas for local schools.

Construction is funded primarily by the Walloon Region and the Wasseiges municipality and is expected to finish by the end of 2026, including a large planting operation before November.