City allows more fountains to bubble in Dresden after all

After fierce public and city council criticism of the cost-cutting measures, most of Dresden's fountains and water features will continue to bubble this summer. The city administration has announced that preparations are being made to start up all facilities that do not require acute renovation or repair. There is now a solution for the largely unsecured financing. On the orders of Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP), all cost centers in the responsible areas are being examined in order to generate the necessary funds.

The clear demand to switch on fountains as an important part of the cityscape is understandable, said Hilbert, "especially since the funds required for this are manageable in relation to the overall budget of the business area and the city". However, there was clearly no acceptance for switching them off. "I also saw it that way and therefore decided that a solution had to be found." Donations have also been pledged.

For cost reasons and due to the very tight financial situation, only eight of the facilities were originally intended to go into operation. Investments in the maintenance and safety of municipal playgrounds and the care of trees plagued by drought had priority, it was said. With over 300 facilities, "Florence on the Elbe", as Dresden is also known, is one of the cities with the most fountains in Germany. The municipality is responsible for 99 of the fountains and drinking fountains, which often adorn parks or squares.