They could not reach an agreement earlier, so on Wednesday the De Boer family and the IMG faced each other again in court. The case had a striking plot twist: the IMG will reimburse the repair of all damage.
Reit (82) and Trijntje (75) de Boer from Leek went to court because the Mining Damage Institute Groningen (IMG) also refuted some damage claims after an objection. But besides the wrangling over recognition of their cracks as a result of mining damage, Wednesday was also a matter of principle.
Objectors were previously given the opportunity to wait for more favorable policies. Daughter Linda de Boer, who supports her parents, thinks it is unfair that they do not have that option. A total of 144 households are pursuing lawsuits against the IMG and are in the same boat.
‘My parents have been waiting for two and a half years’
These households still have to get their case in court. According to De Boer, this does not demonstrate a milder, easier and more humane approach, as the IMG promised after the devastating survey report from February last year. “My parents have also been waiting for a total of two and a half years.”
De Boer’s demand was clear: her parents should receive an extra 20,000 euros because they should also be eligible for a ‘bottleneck scheme’. But the IMG didn’t care about that. “These are different cases, there are really significant differences. We have taken a well-considered decision and provided a short-term solution,” said a lawyer at the institute.
‘It makes you dull’
Linda de Boer points out how difficult the procedure has been due to the years of battle with the IMG. It is always a puzzle, according to her: what does that letter or report say? “It makes you dull.” The judge is curious how the De Boer couple experiences this. Difficult, says Trijntje. Reit is also clear: “I would like to get rid of it.”
This turns out to be a reason for a striking twist. “You want to send a contractor to repair the damage?” the judge asks the IMG lawyer. He confirms that. “We would like to discuss further about actual recovery.”
‘The practice is more difficult’
The De Boer couple are happy with this, but Linda de Boer still has doubts. “In practice it is more difficult. I would love to believe it IMG, but that is my concern.” Partner Sipko de Groot leans towards her. “If they remain in control, this may still be an attractive option.”
The judge decides to adjourn so that the family and institute can discuss whether they like this option. After half an hour he resumes the lawsuit and it becomes clear that Reit and Trijntje de Boer can choose a contractor themselves who can send the invoice to the IMG. New damage is also repaired. The IMG must approve the quotation before July 1. If that does not work, the case will be resumed in court.
‘End to my parents’ worries’
Linda de Boer has mixed feelings about it. “I think it’s a shame that there is no ruling in principle now, but it is important for my parents that it is repaired quickly. Then it’s over and their worries come to an end. I’m happy about that.”
 and Trijntje (75) from Leek settle with IMG: all damage is repaired. ‘After that it’s done, I’m happy about that’){kind=link}