The newly constructed Midnattssolsbadet (Midnight Sun Bath) in Kiruna faces significant additional costs, with 42 million kronor needed to address multiple construction issues. According to reports, the problems include deficiencies in water slides, issues with the Turkish steam bath section, and concerns about the roof's capacity to handle heavy snow loads typical of the northern Swedish climate.
The swimming pool project, which has already surpassed 1.4 billion kronor in total costs, continues to encounter setbacks. The municipal board is expected to approve an initial 2 million kronor allocation for further investigation into what specific repairs are needed. "It is a known problem with the load-bearing system. We have chosen to expand the investigation, which we have requested funds for," wrote Gert Mörtvik, project strategist at Kiruna municipality.
there are known problems with the load-bearing system, and the municipality has chosen to expand the investigation to determine what measures are needed
In addition to the structural concerns, 40 million kronor is reportedly required to address other known issues, including reconstruction of the Turkish bath's water handling system, insulation of water slides, condensation problems in a technical room, and ventilation system issues.
Mats Taaveniku (S), chairman of the municipal board, emphasized the need to complete the project despite the escalating costs. "Right now our focus is to get the swimming pool ready as quickly as possible, regardless of what we think about previous political decisions or contractor handling. Now we are 99 percent complete, so it would just be stupid not to finish it," Taaveniku stated in mid-January.
they are 99 percent complete and it would be foolish not to finish it
The Midnattssolsbadet features 14 pools, nearly as many saunas, two 25-meter pools, two multipools with adjustable bottoms, children's areas, two water slides, and a large relaxation area. The additional costs come amid Kiruna's ongoing city relocation project, which has already placed significant financial strain on municipal resources.