Need for more infrastructure requires proactive approach: Less Nuisance app

APK Group and city of Hasselt conduct pilot project with Minder Hinder app to improve communication with citizens during roadworks. To ensure a sustainable future, energy networks are being adapted and the fibre-optic network is being further rolled out. In doing so, the City of Hasselt is striving for clear and transparent communication with local residents. APK Group contributes to this and offers a solution for greater support.

Clear communication builds support

Underground works are permanently needed to make cities and towns ready for the future. The expertise and dedication of all parties involved are key to achieving our goals, with the least possible disruption to citizens in mind. The city of Hasselt therefore invited all stakeholders to a constructive dialogue on how clients and contractors can together tackle this ambitious project, this transition, as efficiently as possible.

"One of the most important aspects is to limit the impact on residents and passers-by," explained Hasselt alderman for Public Works Laurence Libert. "Central to this is ensuring transparent, clear and, above all, proactive communication. We want there to be proactive communication with local residents. A clear and structured communication plan is necessary to monitor the progress of the projects, identify possible obstacles in time, resolve them and ensure that all stakeholders remain well informed at all times."

'Less Nuisance' app: minimising nuisance thanks to instant communication

In this context, APK Group announces the introduction of the 'Less Nuisance' app. "This app is designed to proactively communicate with local residents and minimise inconvenience to residents and businesses during the implementation of infrastructure projects," said Maarten Broens, CEO of APK Group. "It provides a clear structure for communicating planning, project progress and any temporary inconveniences."

"An environment manager has even been appointed to activate and maintain the relationship between the environment and stakeholders during the project. The aim is to identify the interests of both the executing party and the environment and always come up with creative solutions that benefit everyone. The environment manager provides clear communication and updates on the progress of the works and enables direct communication on questions or suggestions."

The Less Nuisance app will include the following elements:

• Regular updates about the progress of operations.
• A single point of contact for questions and feedback from residents and businesses.
• Previous announcements of planned works and possible nuisance

"Finally, transparent and proactive communication to reduce the impact on our surroundings is also a key pillar in the realisation of APK Group's sustainability policy. Minimum disruption to residents and businesses is what we strive for. With confidence, we look forward to working with all partners involved.

Together, we can ensure that Hasselt becomes an example of how cities can successfully switch to more sustainable infrastructure while respecting the liveability of its surroundings," concludes Broens.