"The situation is grave"

Businesses in Grindavík have called upon MPs and ministers in the South Iceland district to take measures to save them.

It is stated in the announcement that the companies have reached the limit of tolerance and that they cannot wait any longer for solutions.

“It is important that the long-term measures under construction take into account the fact that the operational basis of small and medium-sized enterprises for economic activity in Grindavík has either disappeared or has been broken. The uncertainty is still immense and today it is 163 days since the natural disaster on November 10 hit,” the announcement reads.

“The situation is grave and we need to continue to operate and create value in another location during the natural disaster. We have the same thing in common, that all our funds are tied in operational items and commercial buildings.”

The request is that the measures that will be introduced before the end of the parliamentary term be aimed at companies that can and want to operate in Grindavík, companies that need to move to continue their operations and companies that do not see a business base in Grindavík nor outside of Grindavík and want to buy up commercial buildings.

“The situation is now that according to the latest information from the Icelandic Met Office, there is a high likelihood of another volcanic eruption in the vicinity of Grindavík, and the uncertainty is therefore even greater than before, and it’s not possible to see the end of the uncertainty. We have been in a lot of contact with you, but we think it’s important that you understand our situation,” the announcement also states.

Report and meetings this week

It is mentioned that Deloitte will submit a report at the beginning of this week, and in the following weeks the government will prepare a bill of law that will affect the future of the companies.

The town council of Grindavík has also called a meeting with businesses in Grindavík tomorrow, Tuesday, at 16.30.

“Small and medium-sized companies in Grindavík demand that MPs and ministers from the South-East Iceland district attend the meeting in Grindavík, listen to our needs and understand what resources we need, and in turn stand by us in these unprecedented times.

At the same time, 76.4% of residents have requested a buy-out of their homes, these issues cannot wait.”