Cologne in the garbage chaos: Citizens demand drastic measures against neglect!

Cologne in the garbage chaos: Citizens demand drastic measures against neglect!

Köln, Deutschland - Cologne citizens are increasingly upset about the neglect and the garbage problem, which have become increasingly obvious in the city in recent years. A look at the streets between the Express and the Rundschau shows many more and more people on the barricades. Reader reporters report a urinal on the sidewalk between the musical Dome and the main train station, which was placed without a privacy and spread unpleasant smells. In the entrances of the shops on Hohe Strasse, homeless people have opened their camp, which significantly impairs the cityscape.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg: a disused escalator on Wiener Platz, which has not been repaired for a long time, is seen as another sign of the urban neglect. In Neusser Straße in the Agnesviertel in particular, passers -by, especially wheelchair users, are affected by the increasingly intrusive beggar. Not only inconvenience, but also garbage, and not only in restaurants. In addition, despite the existing trash cans, the Rosenzweig Park in Zollstock sees a questionable garbage problem.

urban development in focus

The Cologne city administration is under pressure. The debate about increasing homelessness and drug problems is now also at the city council level. The SPD parliamentary group has applied for a current hour, while Mayor Henriette Reker emphasizes the challenges. "We can only mitigate the symptoms, do not combat the causes of addiction and poverty," says Reker. This statement is reflected in the increasing figures of homelessness: In the entire Germany there were around 532,000 homeless people at the beginning of 2024, including around 47,300 homeless people, as statistical surveys explain Statista .

This increase is particularly noticeable at Neumarkt and Ebertplatz, where police chief Johannes Hermanns addresses the increasingly problematic crack situation. The city director Andrea Blome (CDU) also confirms that the problems at the Neumarkt are particularly pronounced, with 60 positions in the regulatory office being vacant. "Something has to change here urgently," notes Christian Joisten (SPD).

obstacles and solutions

The discussion about the responsibility for the garbage problem also shows that the city does not cope with illegal waste disposal. Andrea Blome speaks of difficulties in the security service. "We also have to do more for people who live outside," she realizes. Suggestions for stronger surveillance on the part of the police and the regulatory office are always an issue, but responsibility cannot only be submitted to the authorities - the citizens are also asked.

A reader reporter, for example, demanded larger garbage containers in green areas and the city center. "We have too little space for the garbage we produce," he explains. The distribution of a refrigerator on the street was also reported, which is not removed despite reports. A situation that not only reduces the place in question, but also the reputation of the city.

The concerns and needs of the Cologne team are so diverse. On the one hand, there are more and more people who are afraid of the city's neglect, while on the other hand, urban actors emphasize the need to act against poverty and against drug abuse. Another discussion could focus on the causes of homelessness and the situation of the drug addicts, because as Mayor Reker aptly says, "we have not reached the goal for a long time".