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Cologne in chaos: drugs, homelessness and desperate citizens!
The article highlights the serious drug problems and homelessness in Porz, Cologne, and their effects on the residents.
Cologne in chaos: drugs, homelessness and desperate citizens!
The drug problem in Cologne is becoming more and more urgent. Residents report frightening conditions, particularly in the area around the Porz-Markt stop. Homeless people, public drug consumption and aggressive beggars characterize the city. Tobias K., an attentive reader reporter, has identified several problem areas that have a massive impact on public life. Tragic scenes can be seen particularly at the entrance to the savings bank and in nearby building entrances, in which junkies are often left on sidewalks or in building entrances after drinking. In addition, drug traffickers seem to regularly ask about the needs of potential users, further exacerbating the situation themselves.
In the city center, especially in the Lungegasse car park on Neumarkt, the consumption of drugs such as cocaine and heroin as well as the use of syringes are commonplace. Walkers are repeatedly confronted with aggressive behavior from junkies, whose stays often take place in heavily frequented neighborhoods. The tree street at the German pension insurance is described by numerous citizens as particularly bad and is cause for concern.
A worrying development
The numbers speak for themselves: According to current statistics, the number of homeless people in Cologne has more than doubled in the last ten years. Mayor Henriette Reker expressed concerns about increasing neglect in 2021 and pointed out that the role of the mayor in such situations is often overestimated. **Every second recorded homeless person in North Rhine-Westphalia has non-German citizenship**. These circumstances shed a sobering light on the state of society in Cologne.
The number of unreported homeless people is also particularly worrying. The reasons for this development are complex; They range from the corona pandemic to increasing numbers of asylum seekers to a dramatic increase in acquisitive crime. Residents report a constant smell and unsanitary conditions, which significantly affects citizens' quality of life.
Public space and drug consumption
The challenges for urban development cannot be ignored. A technical discussion on the topic of “Public spaces and drug consumption” was convened by the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Construction (BMWSB). Minister Klara Geywitz emphasized the need not to stigmatize drug users but to offer them help. She explained that one in four homeless people suffers from an addiction and therefore there are closer links between homelessness and substance abuse.
Drug use in public spaces is visible in many cities, not only in Cologne, but also in Leipzig, Hamburg and Hagen. The danger posed by left-over syringes is highlighted, particularly for children. In response to these concerns, citizens' associations are calling on the city to develop a holistic approach to combat neglect.
The situation remains tense and hopes for a lasting improvement are low. How long can the city of Cologne continue to deal with this critical situation? Citizens are confronted with this reality on a weekly basis and are required to consider both solutions and offers of help. The pressure on the city administration to act has arrived - now it needs a good hand to get the problems under control.
We can only hope that those responsible will soon take measures to put a stop to these grievances.
The reporting media vividly describe the problems that Cologne is currently experiencing: Express reports about the affected areas, In love with Cologne addresses the social background and BMWSB highlights the challenges for urban development.