The 14 municipalities in Denderstreek are calling on the government, businesses and colleges to invest more in the area

The 14 municipalities that launched the call are: Aalst, Perlare, Bogenhout, Denderlieu, Dundermond, Erb-Meer, Gerardsbergen, Haltert, Hamm, Lebke, Leidi, Nynof, Wichlin and Seele.

First and foremost, they hope that the Flemish government will invest heavily in the Dender region. “It matters to millions, that’s why it’s so important to be seen,” says Zell Mayor Hans Knopp (CD&V). “We want to increase the prosperity and well-being of more than 400,000 residents and organizations in the Dinder region.”

They also ask scientific institutions not to ignore the Dinder region. The scope of higher education, for example, is currently limited in the Dinder region. As a result, many residents leave the area to study or work elsewhere. Dinder is the largest commuting area in the country.

“Research institutions linked to higher education are hardly represented here. However, you need this support for economic development. And that is where we want to go. Universities of applied sciences could set up research centres here, for example a laboratory for social research and technological challenges.”