a 4-day march against the project
53. This is the number of kilometers traveled by members of the “La Voie est libre” and “Forrest” collective, but also by other residents who are resistant to the project. The march took place on the route of the future A 69 motorway, Verfeil to Castres. A way to raise public awareness of the consequences of this project, particularly ecological ones.
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An “ecocide” project
From Friday, October 21, the demonstrators were about thirty from Verfeil. Four days later, the mobilization remained at the rendezvous with more than a hundred demonstrators. For this last stage, a rally in front of the sub-prefecture of Castres was organized.
The opponents wanted to offer the sub-prefect the shield of Bitumus, a parody of the shield of Brennus, the reward for the winner of the Top 14. However, the demonstrators could not be received by the chosen one.
The project of the future A69 motorway is singled out because of this potential damage to the environment. For example, on September 12, the National Council for the Protection of Nature (CNPN) issued a detailed opinion concerning the Castres-Toulouse motorway.
“This file is in contradiction with national commitments in the fight against climate change, the objective of net ‘zero artificialisation’ and zero net loss of biodiversity, as well as in terms of purchasing power”, justify the CNPN in the report of the verdict.
The municipalities are up against the project
On the side of the municipalities, the city of Teulat does not hide its opposition to the project. Contacted by The Independent Opinion, Sabine Mousson, mayor of Teulat, explained that this project would risk “cutting in two” her town. Despite a classic protocol (public inquiry, public debate, concession), the mayor of Teulat deplored the lack of real consultation between the concessionaire, Atosca-NGE, and elected officials, but above all the lack of clear answers from from the dealer.
The elected representative wishes all the same to underline that the residents are for “the opening up of Castres“, which is the main motivation for the project according to the Dreal (Regional Environment, Planning and Housing Department) Occitanie, “without however avoiding the construction of the motorway”. Sabine Mousson, for example, mentioned a redevelopment of the RN 126, ” the idea is to create improvements on what already exists.”
Finally, regarding the progress of the project, if the schedule is maintained, the work would begin in 2023 and the commissioning of the motorway is planned for the end of 2025.
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