The Almelo–De Haandrik Canal is more than a waterway. It is a cultural and historical anchor point, an economic lifeline, and an ecological opportunity. These are the conclusions of the Social Cost-Benefit Analysis (MKBA), commissioned by the Province of Overijssel. The MKBA maps out the societal costs and benefits of several future scenarios for the canal. Various stakeholders participated in the study through interactive workshops using the “weighing and balancing” methodology.
The cost of downgrading the canal and commercial navigation
By downgrading the Almelo–De Haandrik Canal for shipping, the Province of Overijssel can save on investments, management and maintenance, and the operation of bridges and locks. The further this downgrading goes, the greater the financial savings for the province. However, these savings come with a so‑called reverse modal shift: the movement of freight transport from water to road. A reverse modal shift leads to higher transport costs for businesses and brings significant societal costs, such as poorer air quality, more traffic casualties, noise pollution, congestion, and additional wear on infrastructure. Results from the MKBA show that these negative effects are particularly substantial in scenarios where commercial navigation is no longer permitted.
The voice of the community
A key component of the MKBA study is the participation of residents, businesses, skippers, and civil society organisations. The “weighing and balancing sessions” reveal that the canal is deeply rooted in the region’s identity. Residents appreciate the vibrancy that shipping brings, but they are also concerned about damage to homes caused by previous works. Safety and transparency are therefore crucial in any future interventions.
More information
The MKBA report can be consulted here. An infographic explaining the weighing and balancing methodology is available on the CROW website.
If you have any questions, please contact Sibren Vegter (s.vegter@decisio.nl) or Thijs Visscher (t.visscher@decisio.nl). You can also reach us by phone at 020 670 05 62.
