Germany's Black Book Exposes Millions Wasted on Abandoned Public Projects

**The Federation of Taxpayers (BdSt)** has been advocating for responsible use of citizens' tax payments for years and checking whether changes in tax law are fair for them. They often come across massive tax waste by the federal government or the states, which often occur in the same patterns, as revealed in interviews with Rik Steinheuer, chairman of the BdSt. The annual 'Black Book' is published to expose these cases. Some of these cases that occurred in NRW are listed below.

Safety concerns at Bonn playground

For years, children and parents used a shortcut through a garage courtyard to reach the nearby 'Am Waldrand' playground. However, the owner of the garage expressed safety concerns to the city, as cars exiting the garage could pose a risk to the children. Signs also indicate that it is a private path. The city agreed with the man and a fence was built there in 2023 for 1,000 euros. The residents who have been using the shortcut for 40 years are now demanding that the fence be removed. The city has suggested using a path behind the garages instead, but this also seems unsafe. A so-called 'stair-step' facility is now planned, at a cost of a further 5,000 euros.

Renovation work in Bochum sports hall

A new sports hall was inaugurated in Bochum-Wattenscheid in November 2024, used by four schools and the local Olympic training center. Since then, the city of Bochum has received repeated complaints about 'visual irritations' due to the so-called impact wall cladding of the hall. The surface consists of black and white panels, causing optical illusions for sportspeople, making it difficult to see goals, nets, or balls. The city reacted and the wall was rebuilt accordingly at a cost of around 48,000 euros, borne by the city of Bochum. While a cost refund is being examined, it is doubtful whether damages can be claimed, as the planning was agreed upon beforehand.

Unused railway carriages in Siegburg

The city of Siegburg owns two railway carriages that are not in use. Originally, they were planned for an open youth support offer in the Siegburg district of Brückberg. For this, they had to be purchased, moved, and securely installed. 15,000 euros were budgeted for this in the Siegburg household. However, the project was suddenly scrapped by the council in 2022 without clear reasons. The city has since remained silent about how much the carriages originally cost. The railway does not want them back, so the city of Siegburg now owns two railway carriages with no further use. The city wants to compensate taxpayers for this financial loss and is trying to sell the railway carriages to potential interested parties. The Federation of Taxpayers has been regularly asking for updates on this matter. In March of this year, the response was: 'Talks with potential users are ongoing. However, the railway carriages are not yet sold, so no change from the last time.' A former bottling hall was to be converted into an event location. By 2016, the costs for the project were estimated at around 28 million euros. In 2018, the concept 'Cultural Refinery K714' was planned to be expanded, not only for carnivalists but also for conferences and other events. A parking garage was to be built, aiming to become 'one of the largest and most modern premium parking garages' in Europe. In 2020, a final cost plan with concrete figures for the concept was presented. Instead of the original 28 million, the cost point was now at 74 million. With a capacity of up to 4,800 possible event guests in the hall, a new traffic concept also had to be created. In 2023, the council gave the okay for further costs for this. New price: a proud 126.5 million euros. According to the council, the additional costs were due to political and economic influences, such as an increased construction price index. In 2024, it became clear that this amount would not be sufficient, a further 30 million was needed and the council agreed.

The project is now at 156.5 million euros. There have been unexpected structural damages to the building, requiring more time and other economic factors that have driven the price ever higher. The Federation of Taxpayers aptly describes this project as a bottomless pit.

Abandoned Manor House in Cologne

Since the 20th century, the Thurner Hof has been in the possession of the city of Cologne. The associated half-timbered house was originally intended to be used by the adult education center and other associations. Until 2003, the VHS had given courses there. Afterwards, the building was vacated. Significant renovation needs were identified and work began in 2008 under the 'Win Win for Cologne' program, a project aimed at providing new perspectives for people without work. Completion of the house was planned for 2015. However, the city only declared the completion to the BdSt in 2022, which contradicts a response to the SPD faction stating that the work had long been completed and handover was expected in the fall of 2021. In 2024, the city stated to the BdSt that it was currently not possible to specify when the building would be completed, given the planned use. After more than 20 years and now completed renovation work, the manor house at Thurner Hof remains unused. Another problem is that the VHS courses are inclusive, so mobility-impaired persons must also be considered. The costs to make the area barrier-free are not covered. According to the current status, this is also the decisive reason why the VHS cannot ultimately use the building. The administration is currently examining alternative usage options.