There are various ways to involve residents in a dike reinforcement project. In this article, you’ll find 5 tips from our side!
Organize information meetings for residents to inform them about the plans and the reasons why the dike needs to be strengthened. These kinds of evenings also provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions, ask follow-up questions, and make comments.
Organize walk-in evenings where residents can go with questions and comments about the project. This can help to provide reassurance and also address any concerns. This also makes residents feel seen during a project.
Create an online platform where residents can participate in discussions and stay informed about the latest developments. We also call these types of online platforms Area Participation Platforms, and they support actively involving residents in the process.
Form a resident panel consisting of a number of selected residents who can advise the project developer and provide feedback on the plans. The panel represents all local residents and then acts as an intermediary.
Offer residents the opportunity to attend meetings where decisions about the project are made. This gives residents the feeling that their opinion is heard and that they are part of the decision-making process.
Involving residents is a continuous process, from beginning to end. When you choose the right approach for this, you can communicate new insights in a timely manner. This ensures you don't lose time during your project.
Would you like to know more about this? Together with our partners, we have had the privilege of guiding various dike reinforcement projects. Contact us, and we'd be happy to tell you more about it!