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The demolition of the Middle Lock in Terneuzen in March 2022 proceeded more explosively than expected. As a result, over 200 damage reports came in, ranging from broken windows to damage to conservatories and facades. This prompted the experts at TOP Expertise to take immediate action. Aart-Jan Slingerland and Robert Kruik explain their involvement in the damage settlement.
From the beginning of the construction of the Nieuwe Sluis Terneuzen, TOP Expertise has been involved as a permanent agency for any damage settlement during the project, both at the construction site and for local residents. "Because of the independent position, we can move quickly in case of any calamities," said Kruik, NIVRE-re damage expert and co-director of TOP Expertise. "Because being able to settle claims quickly is valuable for both contractor and local residents. For the contractor combination Sassevaart, we are the unburdening party when it comes to handling and correctly dealing with any damage claims."
Until early 2022, work around the construction of the New Lock proceeded without any significant calamities. However, the planned thud of the Middle Lock in March 2022 changed things. It was more violent than expected and the thud could be heard and felt from a great distance. Damage claims came from residents and owners of various buildings. Damage expert and co-director of TOP Expertise Slingerland: "Immediately we sprang into action. After consulting with Sassevaart, we put a team of experienced experts on the case and drew up a plan of action. Due to the volume of damage reports, rapid and appropriate action was necessary." The claims office contacted claimants. Immediately it began taking stock of claims and conducting inspections. Within days of the explosion, the first inspections were conducted.
Of the 200 claims reports, by August 2022, most claimants received clarity on whether they were eligible for compensation (through restoration or indemnification). This was the case for more than half of the reports. A local contractor has been engaged to carry out damage repair work. The goal is to have all cases completed in the first half of 2023.
Slingerland: "We are the link between different parties. The challenge is to settle a claim with a good feeling for all parties involved. The sooner and better a claim is handled, the better it is for the parties involved." Jug: "Overall, our efforts have been seen as positive by Sassevaart, insurers and claimants."
