Dutch construction sector warns infrastructure maintenance funding remains short

The Dutch construction industry says the government’s new priorities for infrastructure projects do not address a persistent shortage of funding for maintenance, leaving firms without enough certainty to plan work or recruit staff. [1]

Industry group Bouwend Nederland says the government’s priorities offer a clearer list of projects, but not a complete picture of what will go ahead. It argues that companies need adequate budgets and firm plans before they can prepare tenders, carry out work and hire or train the people required.

The group cites an estimate by the Netherlands Court of Audit that Rijkswaterstaat, the national roads and waterways authority, needs an additional €34.5 billion by 2038 to bring infrastructure maintenance up to standard. Bouwend Nederland says that extra funding is not included in the government’s plans and warns that new roads, railways and bridges may consequently remain out of reach.

It is urging the Dutch parliament to back the government’s project priorities while proposing additional funding. The organisation also warns that delaying maintenance increases costs and could hold up housing construction, although it presents that as a risk rather than a confirmed consequence.