Hammer der Woche aus Westerburg | Hammer der Woche vom 14.06.2025 | ZDF

Summary

The Wiesensee lake in the Westerwald region has been empty for over three years due to an unfinished dam renovation project. The water level was drained for safety reasons, but reconstruction has stalled, causing significant hardships for local residents and businesses that rely on tourism. The project’s delays are blamed on lengthy approval procedures and strict regulations in Germany. Despite public protests and the urgent need to restore the lake, it could take years before the water returns, as additional work, including desludging, is needed, further delaying the restoration.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Wiesensee lake, once a reservoir, is now a meadow due to a drained water system and ongoing construction delays.
• 😀 The dam at Wiesensee is in need of renovation, but the reconstruction has not been completed, causing frustration for locals and businesses.
• 😀 The lake's drainage has negatively affected tourism, local businesses, and holidaymakers, especially since it's been empty for three years.
• 😀 A local resident emphasizes their deep connection to the area and expresses strong dissatisfaction with the ongoing situation.
• 😀 The TÜV (German Technical Inspection Association) determined that the 50-year-old dam is no longer safe, prompting the need for reconstruction.
• 😀 The Westerburg municipality is working on a new throttle system to regulate the water levels, but the construction is slow and incomplete.
• 😀 The municipality is still lacking an overflow system to allow water flow when the lake overfills, which has further delayed the process.
• 😀 There have been protests by locals, as many people’s livelihoods are dependent on the tourism and hospitality industries that the lake supports.
• 😀 The mayor of Westerburg attributes the delays to the numerous regulations and approval processes that are part of dam safety standards.
• 😀 The Wiesensee lake may remain empty for a long time, as it will require an additional €2.5 million to desludge the lake before it can be refilled.

Q & A

Why was the Wiesensee drained?

The Wiesensee was drained because the dam needed renovation, and reconstruction has not been completed yet.

What is the impact of the drained lake on the local community?

The drained lake has caused significant issues for residents, businesses, and tourism. Many people depend on the lake for their livelihood, and the absence of the lake has led to a loss of jobs and a lack of visitors.

What was the TÜV's assessment of the dam in 2021?

In 2021, TÜV determined that the 50-year-old dam was no longer safe, which led to the decision to build a new throttle system to regulate the water level in the lake.

What is the main problem causing the delay in the reconstruction of the dam?

The main issue is the long approval procedures and the high safety regulations, especially with the flood relief systems, which have caused delays in construction.

What is the goal of the reconstruction project?

The goal is to get water back into the lake by constructing a new throttle system and adding an overflow to manage the water levels when the lake gets too full.

What happened during the protests in front of the town hall?

Last year, people protested because their livelihoods were at stake due to the ongoing issues with the lake. They were frustrated with the lack of progress in the reconstruction.

How does the drained lake affect local businesses?

The drained lake has severely impacted businesses that rely on tourism, including cafes, hotels, campsites, and holiday apartment rentals. These businesses have seen a drastic reduction in visitors, affecting their income.

What is the role of the Westerburg municipality in the delay?

The Westerburg municipality is responsible for the long construction period. The mayor attributes the delay to Germany's complex regulations and high safety requirements, especially concerning flood relief systems.

What is the expected time frame for the lake to be refilled?

It is uncertain when the lake will be refilled because it will also need to be desludged, which will cost an additional 2.5 million euros. No exact timeline has been provided.

Why is the delay in filling the lake so significant to the local community?

The delay is crucial because the lake is an important tourist attraction. Its absence has caused a loss of visitors and jobs, putting many local businesses and residents in a difficult position. People are frustrated by the lack of progress.