Concerns about the future of problem neighborhoods: ‘Unorthodox measures necessary’

NOS News•today, 10:26

The problems in vulnerable neighborhoods are increasing. This is what twelve directors of the National Liveability and Safety Program (NPLV) say in an opinion piece in the AD. For this reason, they are calling on the yet-to-be-formed cabinet to continue investing in disadvantaged neighborhoods in the coming years. “We need unorthodox measures.”

Despite all the investments, according to the directors, there are still numerous problems, as can be read in the piece. For example, children in the area “go to school without breakfast”, there are “three times as many benefit recipients as average” and there is a “poisonous crime rate.” The accumulation of problems makes tackling them difficult.

One of those “unorthodox measures” that the directors are thinking about is to accommodate non-vulnerable groups in the neighborhoods, says Chris Schaapman, NPLV director of The Hague Southwest in the NOS Radio 1 News. Now “people in vulnerable positions” often live together in the same neighborhood, because rents and the quality of housing are low. According to the director, this also causes nuisance.

Schaapman hopes to make a difference in his neighborhood by giving priority to “other groups with more resources”. He also thinks that action should also be taken at schools, so that children in vulnerable positions are protected and teachers are not overloaded. “It is important that we put our shoulders to the wheel from left to right. Our people and all professionals who are active in these neighborhoods deserve that.”

Because a large part of the money for the program expires at the end of 2025, the twelve directors hope to urge the yet-to-be-formed cabinet to take action. “We ask politicians to help us make a difference. Stop the pile-up. Arrange the financing. Because the residents of our neighborhoods deserve the same opportunities as residents elsewhere.”