Rotten and deteriorating: Tervuren mayor says park is overlooked by authorities

The mayor of Tervuren has taken to news outlets to deplore the state of the municipality's local park, next to the Africa Museum.

Mayor Marc Charlier told VRT NWS that the park is deteriorating, calling on the Régie des Bâtiments - the federal body currently responsible for managing part of the park - to follow up the previously agreed transfer of powers to the Flemish nature authority, Agentschap Natuur en Bos (ANB).

"Part of Tervuren Park is gradually starting to look miserable," Charlier said.

“The posts are rotten, with the exception of the Vossem pond at the back of the park, which is managed by the Nature and Forests Agency and is perfectly maintained.”

A management agreement dating from 2021 is due to transfer the forest estate and ponds to the ANB for maintenance.

“The Flemish government has signed the agreement, but the federal government has not yet done so,” explained the mayor.

The agreement also provides for a transfer of resources, including €20 million over a 20-year period, according to Charlier.

Secretary of state Mathieu Michel told VRT NWS that ANB will be responsible for the complete maintenance of the park from 1 March next year, “once everything has been legally verified”.