Kasterlee awaits 800,000 euro reimbursement for roadworks

The municipality of Kasterlee has yet to receive an 800,000 euro reimbursement from the Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic (AWV) for the reconstruction of Pastorijstraat. Although the street is a regional road managed by Flanders, the local government pre-financed the extensive works, which included renewing the roadway, sewage systems, and adding new cycling and pedestrian paths.

Mayor Ward Kennes stated that while an agreement was in place for Flanders to cover its share of the costs, the reimbursement has not materialized. Kennes noted that when contractors were ready to begin in February, the AWV indicated that funding was uncertain due to competing priorities.

The AWV has responded that the repayment is planned but will be determined within the Flemish Government's multi-year planning for the 2027-2029 period. The agency noted that Kasterlee chose to proceed with the works immediately rather than waiting for this budgetary cycle. Kennes has criticized this as a major political error and is calling for the funds to be secured in the next budget assessment.