One and a half months after LKAB's announcement of demolishing a third of Kiruna and relocating 6,000 residents, the municipality held its first meeting with the State Public Property Agency to secure land. Meanwhile, construction of a new hospital is severely delayed, with demands for emergency surgery and maternity services. Local leaders stress the urgency of the process.
Kiruna faces a major urban transformation due to mining subsidence causing ground cracks. One and a half months ago, state-owned mining company LKAB announced that an additional third of the city must be demolished, affecting 6,000 people who need to relocate. The municipal leadership has now held its first meeting with the largest landowner, the State Public Property Agency (SFV), to identify buildable areas for new districts.
The meeting focused on acquiring large land areas for 850 villas and about twenty larger buildings such as schools and sports facilities. 'We received clear instructions and requirements on what applies when acquiring state land,' says municipal councilor Mats Taaveniku (S). All parties agree on the urgency, and the municipality hopes to break ground within two years.
Meanwhile, the existing hospital is located in the crack zone and described as dilapidated. LKAB assesses the property has five to six years left before it becomes unusable. Ground has not yet been broken for the new hospital, which is severely delayed. Nurse aide Eva Poromaa Siekas expresses concern: 'Many are worried that we will end up in barracks.' Kiruna has a wishlist for the new build: emergency surgery, maternity care, and more specialized healthcare. 'Our new hospital could relieve other hospitals in Norrbotten,' says Mats Taaveniku.