Protecting industrial sites in Valais from flooding is a priority
Published: Thursday, Jul 11th 2024, 15:10
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According to Valais State Councillor Christophe Darbellay, the measures to protect the Siders/Chippis industrial site are a "top priority". A clear plan is to be drawn up by the end of the summer.
"We are aware that if an industrial site is not in a safe location, there is no longer any willingness to invest," the Valais Director of Economic Affairs told the media in Sierre on Thursday. The two aluminum manufacturers Novelis and Constellium, which employ around 1,200 people in their factories in Chippis and Sierre, have their headquarters in the USA.
Strong concerns had been expressed in Valais about the preservation of the Novelis and Constellium production sites. Today's press conference also served to take the wind out of the sails of certain rumors, said the centrist politician.
The priority of the two aluminum manufacturers Novelis and Constellium is to "get production going again", said the heads of the sites in Valais. "But safety is a key issue and we will set high standards, particularly in terms of measuring flood risks and the timetable," explained Serge Gaudin, head of Novelis Sierre.
As with the collapse of the tunnel between Riddes and La Tzoumaz this spring, the canton of Valais wants to apply emergency law. This means that the usual procedures will be simplified. As an immediate measure, two Rhone bridges between Sierre and Chippis will be raised and the riverbed of the Rhone in the affected area will be dredged.
©Keystone/SDA
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