The project to provide Oslo with a new reserve water supply has been ongoing for several years. The contract for the construction of the facility that will treat the water is approximately NOK 8 billion.
The Norwegian Water and Wastewater Agency in Oslo has entered into an agreement with AF Gruppen and Multiconsult.
The new facility will be located in Huseby, and according to a press release from Oslo municipality, is the largest ever built in Norway. The plant is also the most complicated part of the huge project.
The water supply from Holsfjorden to Oslo has been dogged by cost cracks. At first it was estimated that it would cost NOK 12.5 billion. Now it is likely to cost somewhere between NOK 26.7 and 30.3 billion, writes Aftenposten.
90 percent of Oslo’s residents get their water from the same water treatment plant, as the situation is today. The new reserve supply covers all Oslo residents.
– AF Gruppen is very pleased to have been awarded the contract to build a new water treatment plant for Oslo municipality. We look forward to continuing a good interaction with Oslo municipality and carrying out the construction so that the citizens of Oslo have a safe and secure water supply in the future as well, says Amund Tøftum, CEO of AF Gruppen, in a press release.
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**Interview with Amund Tøftum, CEO of AF Gruppen**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Amund. This new reserve water supply project for Oslo has been in the works for several years and is quite ambitious, especially with the projected costs skyrocketing. Can you share how AF Gruppen plans to manage these unexpected cost increases?
**Amund Tøftum:** Absolutely. Managing costs in such large-scale infrastructure projects is always challenging. We’ve implemented rigorous planning and robust project management strategies to mitigate these increases. Collaboration with our partners, like Multiconsult, is crucial to ensure we stay on track and provide the best value for Oslo’s residents.
**Interviewer:** Given the increasing costs, do you think there could be public concern or pushback regarding the budget overruns? What steps are being taken to address residents’ worries?
**Amund Tøftum:** We certainly understand that any increase in expenditure can raise concerns among residents. Transparency is key; we will keep the public informed about the project’s progress and the rationale behind the budget adjustments. Our priority is to ensure that Oslo residents have a safe and secure water supply, and we’re committed to delivering that promise.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that 90 percent of Oslo’s residents rely on the current water treatment plant. How do you anticipate the new reserve supply will impact overall water management for the city?
**Amund Tøftum:** The new reserve supply will significantly enhance the resilience of Oslo’s water management system. It will not only secure reliable water access for all residents but also help to reduce dependency on a single treatment source, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the system.
**Interviewer:** This project represents a massive investment in public infrastructure. What do you think about the balance between immediate fiscal responsibility and long-term infrastructure needs? Should residents be concerned more about current costs or future infrastructure sustainability?
**Amund Tøftum:** That’s a thoughtful question. It brings us to a broader debate on public spending priorities. While immediate costs are certainly important, investing in sustainable infrastructure can yield significant long-term benefits. It’s essential for cities to prioritize the health and resilience of their systems, balancing immediate fiscal concerns with the vision for future sustainability.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Amund. Given the significant investment and ongoing debate about cost, how do you think residents will respond to the project? Should we be more concerned about budget management or the long-term benefits of this water supply?
**Amund Tøftum:** I believe this will spark an important conversation among residents. Considering the increasing demand for safe water resources and the potential impacts of climate change, it’s vital for the community to weigh the immediate financial considerations against the pressing need for sustainable infrastructure. I’m keen to see how this discussion evolves in Oslo.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Amund. Looking forward to seeing how this project develops!
