The Dutch National Ombudsman has warned Parliament that victims of gas extraction-related damage in Groningen and Drenthe continue to face significant obstacles in receiving adequate redress. An investigation revealed systemic issues with the handling of complaints by the National Coordinator Groningen (NCG) and the Mining Damage Institute Groningen (IMG), the bodies responsible for building reinforcement and damage compensation. Over 400 residents have contacted the Ombudsman since 2022 with complaints regarding the recovery operation, citing lengthy delays, poor communication, and unfulfilled promises. Critically, the IMG lost records for 329 cases without explanation, a problem the Ombudsman describes as typical of the current situation. This follows a recent report questioning the reliability of thousands of building safety assessments conducted by the NCG. The Ombudsman urges Parliament to intervene, stating residents are left in prolonged uncertainty and the current process fails to deliver concrete results. The situation highlights ongoing concerns about the government’s response to the damage caused by years of gas extraction.
