More than two months ago, a flood disaster caused immense human and material damage in our region. Many apartments and houses in Eupen are still uninhabitable – partly because the insurance companies have not yet made a final judgment. In this context, DG Social Affairs Minister Antonios Antoniadis (SP) reminds of the possibility of an interest-free loan in order to be able to tackle important repairs quickly. It is also possible to get an interest-free loan for flood protection work.
–
–
Even two months after the massive floods, many people from the DG are still faced with enormous tasks. While the renovation work is progressing only moderately, for example because the building still has to dry, an expert opinion from the insurance company is pending or the aid from the Walloon Region has not yet been clearly defined, those affected are worried about the coming months. It is necessary to renew the heating, replace the electrical installation, replace the floor covering or take necessary protective measures for the future.
As already announced shortly after the disaster, interest-free installment loans (with 0% APR) can help; which are made available through an agreement with DG by the Walloon Social Credit Society (SWCS) for families with up to two children or the Wallonia Housing Fund (FLW) for large families. “It is still possible to receive such a loan if, for example, heating or electrical installations have to be replaced or renovated as a result of the flood,” explains Antonios Antoniadis: “This can be helpful, among other things, if the insurance is not yet or only partially could pay off. ”
The interest-free installment loans can be between 1,000 and 60,000 euros, with a term of up to 30 years. They are income-related and guaranteed by the DG through an agreement negotiated with the lenders. After the flood disaster, the Walloon Social Credit Association launched a simplified procedure for interest-free loans – with less administrative effort and a processing time of a few days.
Specifically, it is about work that has to be carried out in order to be able to use your own apartment again quickly. This includes electricity, gas, heating, waterproofing work on the roof, windows and doors as well as stability work on floors and walls (but no heavy work). No audit is required. The residents of DG also have the option of investing in flood protection with the SWCS with an interest-free loan. This includes, among other things:
– Identification and creation of an escape area for the water
– Materialization of the areas around pools and underground pools
– Installation of dams
– Treatment and sealing of cracks and hollow joints
– Sealing of network channels (electricity, water, gas, etc.)
– Sealing of ventilation openings below the high water level
– Installation of check valves
– Use of internal pumps for water drainage
– Improvement of the surroundings of the building
– Installation of aluminum and PVC windows
– Drainage of the switchboard and installation of a separate power network for areas at risk of flooding
– Protection of heating systems and hot water systems from water
– Installation of doors and windows with a low threshold
– Use of waterproof floor coverings
– Installation of a drainage outside
The loan inquiries can be made on the one hand in the premises of Espace Wallonie in Eupen (Gospertstraße 2, www.wallonie.be/les-espaces-wallonie) or with the director of the standard counter in Malmedy, Luc Kuckartz, who holds regular consultation hours in Eupen and Malmedy. His contact details are: 26 rue des Arsilliers, 4960 Malmedy, email: [email protected]; Tel .: 080 33 06 25. Large families (more than two children) contact the Wallonia Housing Fund (www.flw.be). The FLW has set up an online form for the flood victims. (red / calü)
– .
