Hamragarður in Suðuroy faces urgent repairs as municipalities seek funding changes from national government

Despite being only 13 years since Hamragarður was put into use, the building is already in a very poor condition.

According to the national authority Landsverk, all windows and doors need to be replaced, and improvements are required for the façade, climate screens, balconies, floors, ceilings, as well as various updates related to fire safety and other issues. Documents reviewed by Kringvarpið confirm these assessments.

The arrangement has been that the national government covers a smaller portion of the costs, while municipalities in the southern part of Suðuroy assume the larger share of necessary repairs. However, the municipalities are now requesting a reversal of this division, suggesting that the national government take on a larger portion of the expenses while they contribute a smaller share. It remains uncertain whether Minister Sirið Stenberg will comply with this request, although she has indicated a willingness to ease the requirements somewhat.

The news of the national government’s intention to relax the funding obligations for Hamragarður’s repairs has been positively received in southern Suðuroy.

“We are pleased that the government is now easing the requirements for who is responsible for the costs of repairs at Hamragarður,” stated Bjarni Johansen, the mayor of Vágur municipality.

In March of last year, the estimated cost for the necessary repairs at Hamragarður was pegged at 17.3 million Danish kroner. This situation has been featured in local media, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the building.