Big clean-up effort organised around Brussels Midi station

A large-scale clean-up operation around Midi station in Brussels has been carried out by the municipality of Saint-Gilles and regional agency Bruxelles Propreté.

The initiative by state secretary for public cleanliness Audrey Henry (MR) involved high pressure jet washing of streets around the busy station.

The aim of the action was to not only improve cleanliness around the station but to strengthen coordination between different partners and "better identify the thorny points," said her cabinet.

For several years, local residents have complained about the state of uncleanliness around Midi station. Some have called it “a garbage dump” and others have described it as “disgusting,” reports RTBF.

Major problems include the illegal dumping of rubbish, over-flowing waste bins and blocked drainage systems.

The station is a hotspot for homeless people, often resulting in discarded mattresses, furniture and other items. Despite previous clean-up efforts, issues concerning the area’s state of cleanliness have persisted.

The need for the clean-up was already noted by Boris Dilliès (MR), minister-president of Brussels-Capital Region. In February, he highlighted the importance of Midi station as a “gateway for Brussels residents, tourists, commuters and business people,” for which “it must become safe and clean again”.

The clean-up focused on Rue Fonsny and Boulevard du Midi, as well as surrounding streets Avenue Jamar, Place Bara, Place Victor Horta, Rue de France and Rue des Vétérinaires. They received a heavy dose of jet washing from two deployed trucks and four street sweepers. Rue de l'Arginné, Rue de Russie and Rue d’Angleterre were also given a jet wash.

The mayor of Saint-Gilles, Jean Spinette (PS), remarked that the initiative called for the strengthening of the “insufficient consultation” between the various authorities that oversee the station. “But it is starting to change. One of today’s objectives is better coordination of that cooperation,” he said.

The success of the clean-up is yet to be determined but will be closely monitored in the coming weeks. Until then, Audrey Henry has promised a similar initiative in the near future to ensure cleanliness levels are maintained.

Photo: ©Audrey Henry Facebook page