Svalbard Budget plan has water among top priorities, debt to double
The chief administrative officer of Longyearbyen lokalstyre (the local council), Åsmund Sandvik, has proposed a 2027 to 2030 budget and economic plan that ranks safe, lasting water supply among its highest priorities. Loan debt is projected to rise from about NOK 430 million at the end of 2026 to around NOK 880 million by the end of the plan period, the council said on Tuesday 10 November.
The proposal has a net operating result of NOK 11 million, equal to 2.5% of gross operating income. The proposed state grant to the council for 2027 is NOK 241.3 million. The council said higher debt will raise interest and instalment costs and reduce financial room for manoeuvre.
The council said Longyearbyen faces several large tasks: important infrastructure must be renewed while services stay good and stable. The proposal is meant to balance services in 2027 against necessary investment and a sustainable economy over time. Sandvik said the council must keep delivering good, safe services while making large investments, which requires clear priorities and long-term thinking.
Work on future water supply continues in 2027, and parts of the water and sewage network are to be renewed. The largest investments up to 2030 are the main water supply, reserve and emergency water supply, fire-fighting water and renewal of the pipe network. Other large investments are rehabilitation of Svalbardhallen (the sports hall) and Longyearbyen school, asphalting and a floating quay.
Road, bridge and culvert work is also planned. Asphalt work will be gathered in 2027, road safety measures near the school and in the centre are to be assessed, and work on greater floating quay capacity in Longyearbyen harbour continues.
Recruitment and skills development are to be prioritised in kindergartens and at the school. Each kindergarten gets one new position to cope with waiting-list peaks and to strengthen stability, predictable staffing and long-term skills development. The school is to continue work on a safe and inclusive learning environment, reading, arithmetic, pupil attendance and more practical, varied teaching.
Culture, sports and leisure services are to be adapted to available resources and the work in Svalbardhallen. The council said Longyearbyen has particular emergency preparedness challenges because quick outside help is limited. The fire and rescue service is therefore to prioritise stable staffing, training and skills, and information and communication technology security work is to be strengthened.
Capacity in community development and technical services is also to be strengthened, to improve coordination, earlier dialogue and delivery of the many projects in coming years. Sandvik said skilled staff are the council's most important resource, and that predictable finances in proportion to the tasks are needed.