The mega project around the Zuidasdok is once again experiencing a major financial setback. Minister Harbers (Infrastructure and Water Management) leaves in one half-yearly report know that the project will be 600 to 800 million euros more expensive than expected six months ago.
According to Harbers, the costs are partly caused by rising construction costs. For example, contractors charge more money to respond to possible risks and material costs are higher. Another part of the money will be released to cover unforeseen logistical setbacks.
In addition, widening the Minerva passage at South Station is structurally more complex than previously thought. “The result is more knowledge required, more outages and a longer completion time for the work.” According to Harbers, a number of adjustments have been made to the design, which also contribute to higher costs.
Budget
It is not the first time that the Zuidasdok project turns out to cost more than initially thought. The budget, to which clients Rijkswaterstaat, Prorail and the municipality of Amsterdam contribute, has therefore been increased several times. Just like the contribution that Amsterdam pays: it has now risen to 600 million euros.
A spokesperson for Alderman Van Dantzig emphasizes that Amsterdam does not intend to increase that contribution again. Instead, clients look to see whether costs can be saved somewhere, especially by adapting the project in such a way that it becomes cheaper.
‘Difficult choices’
It is not yet clear what kind of adjustments these will be. According to Minister Harbers, several scenarios are currently being devised that could possibly be used to save money. Discussions about this will be held in January by the various clients Rijkswaterstaat, Prorail and the municipality of Amsterdam.
Well, Harbers can already report that due to the higher costs, ‘difficult choices’ will ultimately have to be made that could have ‘negative consequences’.
The Zuidasdok project is currently expected to be completed between 2034 and 2036.
2023-12-21 17:02:18
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