Martin Neukom to become new Director of Construction for the Canton of Zurich
The Green Party's Martin Neukom is set to become the new Director of Construction for the Canton of Zurich. He is a supporter of the popular initiative «Wildlife wardens instead of hunters».
The association pro Töss-Auen is delighted about the appointment of Martin Neukom as the new Director of Construction. Mr Neukom will have to improve and complete a great many unfinished projects left behind by the outgoing Director of Construction, Markus Kägi.
As a result, the Au shooting range in Embrach may not be the very highest priority. However, as a member of the Green Party, the new Director of Construction will certainly assign a higher value to the environment and its protection than has been the case over the past twelve years.
The Töss floodplains between Dättlikon and Freienstein are the third-largest federally protected floodplains in the Canton of Zurich. The fact that no efforts have been made to implement floodplain protection in the 15 years since they were placed under protection must be attributed to the SVP former
councillor, who served what was arguably the most unproductive term in the history of the canton as a member of the cantonal government. Although hobby hunter Mr Kägi insisted at every available opportunity that a shooting range had no place in a protected floodplain, these always remained empty words. During his three terms in office, the number of shots fired did not decrease — in fact, it rose considerably.
Several hundred tonnes of hazardous waste were “legally” deposited in and along the Töss during this period. Former Director of Construction Kägi used his position to thwart all efforts to close the facility or even to restrict its operation. At the expense of the canton, its population, and the local flora and fauna, expert reports were commissioned, proceedings were delayed, and urgently needed measures were suspended.
Now the ball is in Martin Neukom's court. It is no easy task. If he finally wants to enforce environmental law, he will have to withstand a great deal of opposition from the powerful hunting lobby – perhaps Pro Natura and Birdlife will now also help to advance the protection of the floodplains.
The Verein Pro Töss-Auen will definitely stay on it.
