Key facts
The third Rhone correction is the largest flood protection project in Switzerland. It is aimed at protecting over 100,000 people from flood events and prevent damage worth up to CHF 10 billion. This once-in-a-generation project will cost CHF 3.6 billion, and was given the go-ahead in 2016. It involves around 870 hectares of land, including arable land for which the compensation has not yet been clarified in the Valais.
The canton of Valais undertook a project revision in 2024. The Swiss Federal Audit Office (SFAO) examined whether the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) had taken the risks to and interests of the Confederation into account. It concluded that the FOEN actively exercises its supervision and has reduced financial risks to the Confederation since 2022 by suspending payments for pre-funded services. The SFAO also examined whether the FOEN had implemented past recommendations. This was the case for three of the four recommendations, while the recommendation on subsidy refunds was not implemented.
10 bn
CHF in flood-related damage to be prevented
3.6 bn
CHF estimated total project costs
2.1 bn
CHF provided by the Confederation
100 000
people should be protected from flood events
Main conclusions
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A new project needs a new message
The project will be reworked by the canton of Valais by the end of 2026. If the reworked project diverges too far from the original project, a new dispatch will be necessary, along with new approval by Parliament.
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A well defined overview is key
In order for the FOEN to optimally represent the overall interests of the Confederation when implementing the project revision, a well defined overview led by the FOEN is necessary.
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Recommendation on risk management has been implemented
The FOEN has reviewed and completely reworked the risk assessment and the land purchase concept. The risks and outstanding points from the previous audit have thus been addressed.
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Greater enforcement will required
In the current project revision, the FOEN must represent the Confederation’s wishes more forcefully to the canton of Valais, and escalate matters where necessary.
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Lack of risk-based monitoring concept
The FOEN must set this up without delay, as is required of subsidising entities under the Subsidies Act.
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Recommendation on subsidy refunds not implemented
To date, the FOEN has reclaimed only part of the excessive subsidy payments (totalling CHF 0.5-1.0 million) from the canton of Valais.