Taxes put to good use
What you need to know:
Accountability. Often, people will complain about constant interruptions of the road network, electricity or water disconnections usually done to pave way for rennovations. But shouldn’t they be celebrating now that their taxes are being put to something good?
Since I can remember, almost three decades now, Luxembourg’s roads have been under constant construction, repair, renovation and addition. Currently, the latest development is digging huge infrastructures creating a tramway that will connect the airport to the main train station. Luxembourg’s roads already being narrow, this has created heavy traffic jams and a mess, in a city that was known for its calm and tidiness.
The city centre is not alone in this mayhem. In almost every road in the suburbs of Luxembourg City and even in smaller towns and villages, there is some sort of work. Hand controlled traffic lights are placed to guide traffic, as most of these roads are two-way with only one line in each direction.
I had a chat with an engineer working at one of the municipalities. He explained that many cross roads were being converted to roundabouts and that this will create a smoother flow of traffic. Some roads were widened but the most frequent work is the renovation of water, sewerage, optic fiber, and gas connections.
As much as one complains about the current situation, it remains a fact that one day things will improve for everyone. Yes the cliche of the bitter pill, applies in this situation.
Luxembourg, like many other European countries, has heavy and strict tax laws. Knowing that roadworks are one of the most costly undertakings, the government is hence proving that this taxes are returned back to the people for their well being.
This, plus a very solid social security health scheme, that upon registration and a symbolic monthly fee, provides free medical cover for all residents of the land, this includes medicine.
At the same time, Luxembourg extends a helping hand to refugees who find their way to the country. Unfortunately, not all are legitimate asylum seekers, some are after economic benefits, but somehow manage to find their way in, and mix in the crowd.
However, the treatment is the same for all. In fact human rights and guarding human dignity is wildly practised in Luxembourg. If these new immigrants manage to integrate with their new home, then they will extend a helping hand in building Luxembourg to an even better place.
