The state has paid nearly 6 million ISK in rent for an unusable property that was ceremoniously opened by a minister just four days before the last elections. The facility was intended to house children with behavioral and addiction issues.
A large crowd was in attendance for the opening of Blönduhlíð, a treatment centre in Skálatún, Mosfellsbær.
The facility was intended to house children with behavioural and addiction issues under the care of Barna- og fjölskyldustofa (Children and Family Agency).
However, some attendees noticed a strong musty smell in the building, despite open windows.
This was on 26 November 2024—what is often described as “a quarter of an hour before elections,” a time when ministers are particularly active in ceremonial groundbreakings and similar events.
The Ministry of Education and Children issued a statement announcing that the treatment centre had been opened.
This, though, was far from reality—no fire inspection had been completed, and no operating licence had been issued. The building remains empty.
The state has been paying 750,000 krónur in rent per month since August. The lease agreement states that if, within the first six months, the property is found to be unsuitable for children due to reasons beyond the tenant’s control, the contract can be terminated. This however was not done – and instead, the agreement specifies that the tenant fully accepts the condition of the building.
In response to questions from RÚV, the Ministry of Education and Children stated that Barna- og fjölskyldustofa had taken responsibility for outfitting the premises in consultation with the ministry. Additional toilets were installed, a staff room was set up, and a well-equipped kitchen was added. However, in the end, it was not possible to meet fire safety requirements for a treatment centre.
The Government Construction Agency (Framkvæmdasýslan Ríkiseignir) is typically responsible for lease agreements for state institutions. However, the ministry stated that due to the urgent need for treatment centre housing, the ministry and Barna- og fjölskyldustofa did not consult the agency. Instead, they decided to lease Blönduhlíð, believing it could be converted into a treatment centre quickly.
As a result, the state is now paying 750,000 krónur per month for an unusable building, in addition to 1.2 million krónur for an alternative facility.
Blönduhlíð will be put to some use, but not under Barna- og fjölskyldustofa and, of course, not as a treatment centre.
Source: Ruv.is
