Jensen asks if state will fund Longyearbyen water fix
Svalbard WirePublished 26 OctoberReport by the Wire.
Siren Julianne Jensen, of Miljøpartiet De Grønne (the Green Party), has asked the justice minister in a written question whether the government assists Longyearbyen's local authorities with the water supply, which is hit by high manganese levels. She also asks whether the government will help finance measures such as a treatment plant or a backup supply, the Storting said.
Jensen's question was dated Wednesday 21 October 2026 and sent on Monday 26 October. Justice minister Astri Aas-Hansen answered it on Thursday 29 October.
The Wire reported on Monday 26 October that the local council still advises residents against drinking tap water.
Stortinget, Press. Longyearbyen is experiencing challenges with its water supply because of high manganese levels. Local authorities are trying to find solutions to secure a safe water supply in the future, at a time when settlement on Svalbard is very important. Is the government assisting the local authorities in any way today with this work, and will the government contribute to financing any measures the local authorities will implement to secure the water supply in the future, such as a possible construction of a treatment plant or a backup water supply?. https://www.stortinget.no/no/Saker-og-publikasjoner/Sporsmal/Skriftlige-sporsmal-og-svar/Skriftlig-sporsmal/?qnid=129855
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