(haipo) – Urban nature – Haifa combines the magic of nature intertwined with urbanism, and is blessed with dozens of extraordinary nature trails that pass through valleys and forests. One of these popular trails is the Vardiya Stream, located in the heart of a residential neighborhood. However, for about a year, residents and travelers have been complaining that access to the stream from Yotam Street or Kiryat Sefer has been mysteriously blocked, which raises questions and a lot of frustration.
"Access to the stream has been blocked from above for a long time," one of the residents told Haifa. "This is an important nature trail that starts under Yotam Street and continues to Nahal Giborim, passing through Harel Street in the Romema neighborhood. In the past, the trail was accessible to the general public, to children from youth movements, and to hikers, but now it is blocked."

Access to the river path has been blocked.
According to residents' testimonies, it appears that fences and terraces have been expanded in the area of the stream's mouth, which has raised suspicions that a private takeover is taking place in what is a public area. Where there used to be an open and accessible entrance, there are now obstacles that prevent free access to the stream. "It seems that someone simply slipped into the wadi area and added fences that block the entrance," added one of the residents.

The Vardiya Stream is not only a magical corner of nature, but also a route used by many residents for recreational activities, hiking, education, and connecting with nature. Blocking access to the stream violates the public's right to enjoy the city's natural resources and constitutes a violation of the social and environmental fabric of Haifa.
Preserving open public spaces is important not only for the public today, but also for future generations. Nature is an asset to us all, and blocking it disrupts the delicate balance between the city and nature.
Haifa Municipality gave a response to Haifa:
"The municipal administration has established a strict enforcement policy in all matters related to preserving the city's existing natural values. In accordance with this policy, the Building Supervision Division is examining the residents' claims in this case as well. Upon completion of the investigation, its findings will be forwarded to the municipal prosecution to determine whether to continue handling the matter through administrative, judicial or criminal proceedings against those responsible for the alleged offenses."

This city is completely destroyed in terms of nature, the valleys are completely destroyed in all directions.
A city of contractors that is now controlled by contractor representatives.
Congratulations to Haifa and reporter Samar Odeh for raising awareness of the values of nature and landscape in the city!!
It is time for the Haifa Municipality to properly address and address the issue of the wadis, and especially the wadi entrances, in much greater depth, otherwise a takeover like this or another will only get worse.
Beyond public need and concern for the beauty and quality of the city, it is important to preserve and protect these natural values that make our city unique and contribute to the quality of life.
It's time for the Haifa Municipality to pick up the gauntlet and act!!!
Before requesting the opening of the stream, can we please request and push for the separation of the street drainage cisterns from the sewer drainage?
Wipes flow into the stream and remain in the area, covering the recreation area.
Isn't there a single person in the city whose job it is to tour the city and check the state of urban nature? How do we even get to such a state? It's crazy.
You made Jozo laugh. Who exactly will be touring from the city hall?
And let's continue, imagine that someone will explore, what will they do with it? Exactly?
The Wadi from Harel Street towards Yotam was paved about a year and a half ago, after I and other neighbors from the neighborhood had been asking for this to be done for about 20 years.
1- To travel
2- For the fire brigade
I have a lot to say about this and a full stomach, but I'll leave that for next time.
Example – a municipal employee with a car attached passes by where there is garbage or a nuisance – where is the problem for the spoiled person to report it or take the nuisance to the trash or to the side???