As freezing conditions are forecast for Belgium, Namur's Chief Magistrate, Maxime Prévot, enacted a ban on Friday afternoon preventing homeless individuals from sleeping outside until 11 January.
The ban will take effect once the apparent outdoor temperatures reach -10°C or below. Those who refuse shelter could be detained by the police.
This isn't the first time such actions have been taken by Namur authorities. Similar orders have been issued over recent years. However, this winter, concerns are growing as the city's night shelter is frequently over-capacity.
"Last night, 81 people sought shelter at our Jambes night shelter, which only has capacity for 63," explained Philippe Noël, chairperson of the Namur public welfare centre. "We have a special agreement with a hotel to provide more beds, but unfortunately they remain limited."
"From Sunday night, nighttime temperatures could be as low as -16°C. We are seeking solutions to provide even more beds, but we primarily urge homeless people to seek accommodation with their friends or relatives," he concluded.
