Utsjoki swimming hall renovation costs nearly double initial estimate

The renovation of Utsjoki’s swimming hall cost nearly twice the original estimate, rising from €152,000 to approximately €280,000, according to a legal review commissioned by the municipal council and reported by Yle.

The review, conducted by law firm Valo Partners, identified serious deficiencies in project management, including incomplete tender documents and improper handling of additional work. The tender materials lacked HVAC and electrical plans, asbestos surveys, a draft contract, and a payment schedule, while multiple comment markers remained unresolved.

The council chair, Mika Aikio (SDP), called the report a “guidebook on what not to do.” The project saw disputes over which tasks were covered by the original agreement and which constituted extra work. A negotiation meeting between the municipality and the contractor was held without minutes, making it impossible to verify compliance with conditions.

Several additional and modification tasks were approved during the project but were not processed in accordance with contract terms or general construction contract conditions. HVAC work was ultimately separated from the contract and tendered separately.

Despite the flaws, the municipality considers the completed work to be of good quality and the additional tasks justified. The review did not assess individual officials’ legal responsibilities but recommended training for procurement staff, clear assignment of responsible personnel, precise written documentation, and council oversight for future projects.

Financial settlement between the contractor and the municipality was still pending at the time of the review. Utsjoki’s municipal manager, Päivi Kontio, acknowledged the project’s failures but expressed hope that lessons had been learned.