Parliament approves credit for clearing Mitholz ammunition depot
The clearance of the former ammunition depot in Mitholz in the Bernese Oberland has passed the next hurdle. Following the House of Representatives, the Senate has also approved a CHF2.59 billion ($2.9 billion) credit for the implementation of the project.
By 39 votes to zero and three abstentions, the Senate said yes to the commitment credit on Tuesday. The House of Representatives had approved the project at the beginning of May by 180 votes to five with eight abstentions. The bill has thus been cleared.
In December 1947, major explosions occurred in the former army ammunition depot near Mitholz in the municipality of Kandergrund, canton Bern. The depot partially collapsed and several people died from boulders that were hurled through the air. Dozens of houses were destroyed and several hundred tonnes of explosives were left in the rubble.
+ Historic press photos show the aftermath of Mitholz explosion
In 2018 a report by the defence ministry concluded that the ammunition depot had to be cleared due to continued high risks. The project can now be implemented.
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