by THOLEditor | Nov 4, 2026 | News
A new pumping station in the Commandeurspolder near Maasland has been built largely underground to strengthen protection against heavy rainfall while preserving the area’s historic landscape.
Delfland completed the station on the Commandeurskade on 4 November. It replaces equipment and a building dating from 1893 that needed renewal.
The old pumping station, neighbouring bakehouse and service house form a municipal heritage ensemble. Keeping much of the new installation below ground helps retain views and the open character of the polder.
Residents contributed through conversations, a survey and meetings during the development process. Delfland says their knowledge and concerns helped shape the location and design.
The work also included reinforcement of the flood defence, improvements to water supply and installation of a pipe for a fish passage. Reused materials and lower-impact construction choices formed part of the project.
Read more about Delfland’s water-management work (in Dutch)
Source: Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland, press release/update dated 04/11/2026.
Photo: Hoogheemraadschap van Delfland.
by THOLEditor | Nov 3, 2026 | News
Residents handed in almost 250 kilos of fireworks and 19 weapons during The Hague’s Week of Safety, according to figures released by the municipality on 14 October. The collection took place from 5 to 11 October, with more than three times the 80 kilos of fireworks surrendered a year earlier.
Four collection points in Segbroek, Loosduinen, the Zuiderpark and Leidschenveen-Ypenburg allowed residents to hand in fireworks and weapons anonymously and free of charge. The items included knives and other prohibited weapons.
The campaign also involved schools and nightlife venues. Police emptied eight weapons and drugs safes used by hospitality businesses, removing 26 weapons and more than eight kilos of drugs.
Bag and locker checks took place at ten secondary schools. Apart from a small number of vapes, the municipality reported no notable findings. Young people also took part in sessions about peer pressure, weapons and the consequences of their choices.
The results offer a snapshot of the city’s wider approach to prevention, bringing together residents, schools, businesses, police and community organisations. The October collection events have finished; they are not ongoing drop-off arrangements.
Source: Gemeente Den Haag, press release/update dated 14/10/2026.
Photo: Valerie Kuypers / Gemeente Den Haag.
by THOLEditor | Nov 3, 2026 | News
The Hague has joined a national partnership intended to address unhealthy homes, energy poverty and related health problems.
The municipality signed the City Deal Gezond en duurzaam wonen in Leeuwarden on 29 October. The four-year collaboration brings together municipalities, provinces, national government, health insurers, knowledge organisations and social partners.
The aim is to develop and share practical approaches that connect housing improvements with health and financial security. For households facing several problems at once, these issues can be closely linked.
Rather than announcing a new universal grant, the City Deal provides a framework for cooperation and learning between organisations. The Hague says the partnership will help improve connections between care, social support and housing improvement.
Residents seeking immediate help should use the relevant municipal advice and support services; joining the City Deal does not itself establish individual eligibility for funding.
Read about the City Deal (in Dutch)
Source: Gemeente Den Haag, press release/update dated 29/10/2026.
by THOLEditor | Nov 2, 2026 | News
The Hague is encouraging residents, clubs and businesses to help people with dementia stay involved in activities they value, from singing and sport to gardening and creative hobbies.
In a response to council questions, the municipality stressed that a diagnosis does not remove a person’s interests, skills or experience. Practical support, a familiar face or travelling together can make participation easier.
Local examples include the GeheugenBuddyKoor, where people with memory difficulties sing alongside buddies, and visits to Kunstmuseum Den Haag with a carer.
The council is also exploring how existing volunteering and support networks can connect more closely with people’s earlier working lives and interests. Research in Loosduinen and the Schilderswijk involves residents, people with dementia and their families.
According to the municipality, around 7,400 Hague residents currently have a dementia diagnosis, a figure projected to rise to approximately 16,000 by 2050.
The invitation to the wider community is to consider what can be made possible through ordinary, welcoming activities, alongside specialist support.
Source: Gemeente Den Haag, press release/update dated 28/10/2026.
by THOLEditor | Nov 2, 2026 | News
The Hague’s alderman for Economic Affairs and the City Centre, Richard de Mos, wants to investigate whether people who used social media to encourage looting and violence can be held financially responsible for losses suffered by local businesses.
Although the feared looting did not take place on Saturday, businesses incurred costs preparing for possible unrest. According to city centre business organisation Binnenstad in Bedrijf, the financial impact runs into many thousands of euros.
Shopfronts were boarded up, additional security was hired and some shops remained closed. Businesses that stayed open also reported fewer customers and lost sales.
“It is an enormous relief that the feared looting did not happen,” De Mos said. “But that is not the end of the matter.”
He questioned why businesses should have to bear the cost of boarding up their premises, hiring security and losing income following online calls for violence.
Exploring legal options
De Mos wants to work with business organisations and legal experts to examine whether costs can be recovered from people demonstrably responsible for criminal incitement.
The proposed investigation would consider civil liability alongside criminal prosecution, including whether preventative security costs and demonstrable lost profits could be recovered under certain conditions.
De Mos acknowledged that responsibility would need to be established legally before any costs could be recovered.
“Of course, it must be legally demonstrated who is responsible for what, but we should make full use of the possibilities available,” he said.
Discussions with local businesses
Bas Winkler, chair of Binnenstad in Bedrijf, has also indicated that he wants to explore the options for recovering losses.
De Mos plans to discuss the issue with local businesses, establish the extent of the damage and investigate who could be held responsible.
The proposal remains an investigation into possible legal routes. No decision on liability or compensation has been announced in the statement.
Source: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online
Photo: Sophia, The Hague Online
by THOLEditor | Nov 1, 2026 | News
The Hague has requested €500,000 in regional support for the further development of Living Lab Binckhaven, where businesses, education institutions and government partners test ideas in practice.
The area around De Titaan and the Caballero Fabriek provides space for projects dealing with energy, greener surroundings, accessibility and liveability. Students can gain practical experience alongside entrepreneurs developing products and services.
According to the municipality’s 28 October announcement, the requested contribution from the Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan partnership, combined with partner contributions, could enable more than €1 million of investment in projects over the coming years.
The Living Lab is intended to connect innovation with improvements to the surrounding area, including public space and greenery.
The announcement concerns a funding request. It should not be read as confirmation that the regional contribution has already been awarded.
Source: Gemeente Den Haag, press release/update dated 28/10/2026.
