Contractors and the Road Administration have been working hard in recent months to repair Grindavík’s main infrastructure. Schooling is set to resume in Grindavík next autumn, reports RÚV.
Most streets and pedestrian paths are now accessible, and work is underway to both clad and paint the primary school.
Ásrún Helga Kristinsdóttir, mayor of Grindavík, says that a lot has been accomplished in a short time. “The sports centre is ready, the swimming pool, the campsite. There’s a lot happening, and we’ve been working hard to get all of this operational,” says Ásrún.
“We are also working on the primary school, and we aim for it to be ready in May when the municipal elections take place. At that point, we’d like to invite people for coffee.”
New businesses opening in town
The government has approved funding for what is called the “Project Plan Two,” which is expected to take three years. Among other things, this plan includes repairs to Stamphólsgjá, a large fissure running through the town that has significantly changed its appearance.
Nearly 900 people are registered as residents of Grindavík, with an estimated 400 living in their homes overnight. Around 800 people work in the town, about half in tourism and just over a quarter in fisheries.
“There is so much resilience among the people here and in the business community, and some companies have been operating the whole time. New businesses are also opening, including a chocolate factory and others. I’ve said that life goes on as usual in Grindavík, and people show up to work,” says Ásrún.
The real estate company Þórkatla is now implementing a repurchase plan that allows former owners to buy back their properties. The plan is expected to be announced at the beginning of next year. Ásrún calls this very positive. There is strong interest among many Grindavík residents to return at some point. The town council is drafting the budget for the next term.
“I think it’s crucial to look at how we manage schooling, for example, and this is something we need to work on together and find common ground on.”
There is hope that schooling can resume next autumn.
“Grindavík will not be the same as it was. That’s clear. But I see opportunities here and look forward to tackling them, and am excited to be part of this reconstruction that lies ahead,” says Ásrún.
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