Municipal Projects in Germany Face Setbacks and High Costs
Several municipal projects across Germany have faced setbacks and high costs, raising questions about planning and funding. In Baden-Baden, a bike street was removed, while a bridge in Saxony stands unused. Meanwhile, a sewage sludge treatment plant in Koblenz was shut down, and the Federation of Taxpayers has criticized expenses at the German Bundestag.
In Baden-Baden, a bike street was rolled back less than a year after its creation due to low cyclist usage. The city defends the measure, stating that it continues to improve cyclist safety. Meanwhile, in Radeburg, Saxony, a bridge was built for 900,000 euros but remains unused due to lack of funds for the rest of the motorway connection.
In Koblenz, a sewage sludge treatment plant was taken out of operation due to a lack of sewage sludge. The total project costs amounted to around 17.5 million euros. The city is now examining the conversion of the plant to a sewage sludge incineration facility, with the responsible state authority planning to complete the project once budgetary conditions are met.
The relocation of bats in Kirchberg an der Murr, Baden-Württemberg, cost around 40,000 euros. The demolition of the old community hall has been delayed until 2027/2028 to ensure the bats have accepted their alternative quarters.
The Federation of Taxpayers has criticized the high expenses of the German Bundestag despite reduced seats and the potential loss of state funding for the Northvolt battery factory in Schleswig-Holstein. The search results do not provide information about the 'expensive shadows' of investments discussed in the 'Public Waste 2025/26' list by the Bundesverband Steuerzahler.
These projects highlight the challenges faced by local authorities in balancing costs, usage, and environmental concerns. The Federation of Taxpayers' criticism adds another layer to the debate on public spending and its effectiveness.
