Waters are once again expected to flow in the monumental fountain at the foot of Mont des Arts Brussels city centre after years of technical issues.
The grand fountain, which is made of blue stone with nine columns and is adorned with sculpted fish and shells serving as gargoyles, was constructed 65 years ago but has in recent years run dry. From next year, the fountain is finally expected to spout water again up to 4.5 metres into the air.
The structure was thoroughly renovated in 2017 by the Public Buildings Administration at a cost of €473,500. Yet the fountain's new lease of life was short-lived, as it only worked occasionally after the works were finalised. In 2020, it ran dry and it has not been working since.
Two young girls looking down at the fountain on the Mont des Arts in 2001. Credit: Belga/ Olivier Hoslet
City administrators said the fountain's overflow circuits were damaged and it sucked air into the system resulting in its temporary closure. Yet the town gave assurances that it would be fixed soon.
The Buildings Authority contacted several contractors to draw up a maintenance contract so that the fountain would be fully functional by 2022, but the repairs have still not started. The spokesperson for competent State Secretary Mathieu Michel told Bruzz the delay is the result of the Public Buildings Administration not having sufficient staff to follow up on the file.
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The file to appoint a contractor for the repair is now under preparation, and repair works could start in autumn this year, resulting in the fountain being functional again in 2024.
