Ghent Mayor Mathias De Clercq (Open VLD) defended the ban on homeless encampments in the city's historic centre at a session of the municipal council on Monday, citing concerns over safety, hygiene, and livability.
According to the mayor, some homeless individuals had been occupying doorways and shopping streets for a long time, with mattresses, cardboard boxes, pallets, and waste, leading to complaints from residents and shopkeepers.
The number of encampments cleared so far was not immediately clear, but Mayor De Clercq stated that those involved voluntarily removed their belongings following the issuing of the ban. The police are prepared to intervene again if necessary, he said.
De Clercq mentioned that efforts were made to guide the individuals to night shelters and support services, but the help offered was not always accepted. “There are often barriers, such as residency status, which limit the use of shelters,” he said.
Councillor Mathieu Cockhuyt (N-VA), who previously urged action against the squatters, reiterated his call for the authorities to swiftly assist Ghent's residents in the event of new encampments.
