A recent audit has uncovered serious design and construction issues in the Brákarborg preschool in Reykjavík. The Internal Audit Office of Reykjavík City presented the findings to the city council this week. As reported by RÚV, the report revealed a series of errors that affected nearly every phase of the project.
Turf Roof Built Without Final Approval
Brákarborg opened in autumn 2022 after extensive renovations. The total cost reached nearly ISK 1.3 billion. However, a review last summer found that the building’s turf-covered roof was far too heavy. Construction had started before the city’s building inspector received final, approved plans from the lead structural engineers.
Oversight and Planning Fell Short
The audit revealed that several missteps plagued the project from the beginning. Seven separate firms worked on the design: Arkís, Verkís, Kanon, Arkamon, Teknik, Liska, and Cowi. According to the audit, involving so many parties weakened coordination and clarity. Furthermore, the structural engineer was hired solely based on cost and did not meet Reykjavík City’s qualifications.
Project oversight lacked consistency. In several cases, planning schedules and cost estimates were inaccurate or incomplete. As a result, the city failed to catch critical errors in time.
City Urged to Reform Project Management
To avoid similar issues in the future, the report recommended sweeping reforms. These include better project supervision, clearer responsibilities for designers, and more transparent cost controls. The city council agreed. Minority members proposed that the mayor form a reform team to follow up on the audit’s findings.
This team will create a detailed timeline and establish milestones. In addition, it will propose methods to strengthen oversight in future construction projects managed by the city.
Public Voices Concern Over Waste
Public figures have voiced frustration over the mismanagement. Helgi Áss Grétarsson, a junior city council member, commented in a column on mbl.is: “Waste follows failed public projects. Elected officials must enforce professional procedures and follow through.” Helgi is also quoted in an phone call with Iceland review saying “The audit also mentions that the structural load-bearing design was completed by the engineer himself, allegedly to accelerate the project timeline. This decision, made without proper review or final approval, raises concerns about political pressure to finish the job quickly.”
While Brákarborg’s doors remain open, the city now faces pressure to ensure that future projects meet professional standards from start to finish.
Source: Icelandreview.com
