Switzerland can no longer build houses in southern France

Drought shows no mercy. He stays. Even in winter. There has been no rain for a month in most of France. Some more than 30 days. This is also true in the Var region between Marseille and Nice, which is particularly popular with Swiss travelers.

Now the authorities are taking action. And with a heavy hand. They no longer approve new buildings. For at least four years. It also means for many Swiss who dream of family vacations or a comfortable life by the sea after retirement: out of the dream, as reported by “France info”.

Especially the drought prompted the authorities to take this unpopular step. After all, the water supply in the south of France is no longer enough. Let it continue to be built in the previous style!

No planning applications for four years

Because of this, some communities collapse. They have decided to freeze all new building permit applications for the next four years. The rationale for this measure sounds dramatic. “We already have too many people – locals and tourists and too few groundwater resources,” he says.

This is the result of an unprecedented drought. The great rivers east of the Var have dried up for months. Even the politics, which are now dependent on newcomers for growth, are becoming clearer. “It’s better to tell people not to build and put off their projects than to tell them not to get water when they build and settle in,” says Jean-Yves Huet. He is the mayor of Montauroux, a municipality of 6500 inhabitants.

“Dramatic for construction and tourism”

The obvious drought doesn’t just affect tourism. The construction industry is also thirsty for water because construction cannot be done because there is no water. “It will be dramatic for the whole industry,” says Jean-Jacques Castillon. He knows what he’s talking about and is president of the regional building association.

In a nutshell, the historic drought in the south of France means more than long swimming pools that can no longer be refilled. More than plants that shouldn’t be watered or dusty cars you can’t wash every day anymore. We are talking about the existence of a famous resort area.

Source :Blick