Dutch raise windmill in rare operation
Hydraulic jacks to raise the windmill 80 centimetres, at the snail's pace of 10 centimetres per hour to give it access to better wind conditions.
A centuries-old windmill in the Netherlands is being raised inch-by-inch to ensure its survival. The Waardenburg windmill, a rare hexagonal structure still operational today, graces the banks of the Waal in the Rhine delta. However, a nearby dyke raising for flood protection is diminishing the wind supply, threatening the mill's existence.
Supervising the operation is Koen van der Kroon, a Dutchman who explains that the windmill, a listed monument, has stood at the water's edge for 250 years. The project manager details that the windmill is being lifted 80 centimeters, at a snail's pace of 10 centimeters per hour, using hydraulic jacks. The dyke must be raised to guarantee safety in the area, where the water level is often high.
This is the second time the windmill has undergone such an operation, highlighting the ongoing challenge faced by Dutch authorities in balancing flood safety and preserving heritage. The mill is expected to regain enough wind to turn its sails after being stabilized on its new base. The Dutch team is proud of their engineering feat, emphasizing the historical significance of the windmill.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
