National Council wants to rehabilitate Mitholz

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In December 1947, major explosions occurred in the ammunition depot of the Swiss army in the municipality of Kandergrund BE. The depot partially collapsed, killing several people, destroying dozens of homes and leaving several hundred tons of explosives in the rubble.

GLP National Councilor Jürg Grossen (53) expressed his personal displeasure in an emotional mood: “As a three-year-old girl, my mother-in-law stood barefoot in her nightgown in front of the burning house in the snow, while relatives died in the inferno.” “A lot of mistakes and shortcomings” happened. Only the complete evacuation will bring Mitholz a safe future.

Contaminated sites cost billions

In 2018, a new Ministry of Defense report concluded that the munitions dump needed to be cleared due to continued high risks. The Federal Council requested a commitment credit of CHF 2.59 billion for the work, including a safety margin due to uncertainties.

The majority of the National Council supports the proposal. By 180 votes to 5, with 8 abstentions, the grand chamber passed the corresponding federal resolution.

SVP wanted a reassessment of the situation

The Security Policy Commission (SIK-N) initially suspended the deal at the beginning of the year for further clarification, creating uncertainty. Several experts could have clarified the remaining questions with an additional report, said Commission spokeswoman Melanie Mettler (45, GLP).

Part of the SVP wanted to return the deal to the Bundesrat – with instructions to reassess the situation. Jean-Luc Addor (59) addressed the people of Mitholz: “The question is not whether action is necessary, but how and at what cost.” Not all experts considered a complete evacuation the only alternative.

Defense Minister Viola Amherd (60) pointed out that additional clarifications in the form of further exploratory excavations are already underway. The SVP minority ultimately failed with 167 votes in favour, 22 against and one abstention.

SP and Groenen wanted to ask the army to pay

The SP and the Greens have unsuccessfully requested that the costs of the evacuation be fully reimbursed in future defense budgets. The National Council disagreed and rejected the motion by 124 votes in favour, 67 against and 1 abstention.

According to the Bundesrat message, most of the funding – approximately CHF 1.4 billion – will come from provisions already booked at the Ministry of Defense and thus will not burden the debt brake.

The commitment credit also contains reserves of CHF 760 million for project risks and expected inflation. In addition, there are still uncertainties about the exact location, condition and quantity of the ammunition remains and the challenging geological and hydrological conditions.

Eliminate risks to people and the environment

De Groene Marionna Schlatter (42) spoke of a project of the century. “Unfortunately, we have no choice but to defuse this bomb.” Heinz Siegenthaler (67, center) stated: “People in the affected area have the right to see the danger eliminated thoroughly and sustainably.”

The project, which has been running for more than 25 years, should eliminate the risk of further explosions in the former railway tunnel and in the rubble cone in front of the factory. It also provides for a comprehensive cleanup of explosive residues, heavy metals and fire debris throughout the area affected by the 1947 explosion.

In addition, a protective tunnel for the national highway and a gallery for the railway line will be built. There are also measures to protect the infrastructure against natural disasters such as avalanches, floods, mudslides or stone chips. These measures will remain in effect after the cleanup has been completed.

The first residents of Mitholz should leave as early as 2025 because of the work, and it will be time for the rest in 2030 at the latest. About fifty people in the security perimeter are affected by the move. (SDA)

Source:Blick