Mayor: There is a lack of information for the citizens of Kangerlussuaq

The increased number of Danish soldiers in Kangerlussuaq has created frustration among some locals in Kangerlussuaq, who believe that the defense takes up too much space and that soldiers are gaining access to housing at the expense of the locals.

Sermitsiaq has presented the criticism from the citizens to the mayor of Qeqqata Municipality, Malik Berthelsen (S), who writes that he can understand if there are misunderstandings among the population about the role of the defense in Kangerlussuaq.

Since the signing of the second part of the defense agreement in October, neither the municipality nor the residents of Kangerlussuaq have received any information from Naalakkersuisut about the agreement.

A good place for a military base

"But I would say that Kangerlussuaq is used to soldiers living in the settlement, and considering the tense international situation, I believe that Kangerlussuaq with its airport and its good opportunities for exercises in nature is a good place to locate a military base. I would like to assure you that we in the municipality have good and respectful cooperation with the Arctic Command, and as long as there is good cooperation and mutual respect on both sides, the defense is of course welcome in Kangerlussuaq", writes Malik Berthelsen.

A good place for research and tourism

Malik Berthelsen emphasizes that it is of course not "our intention or desire that Kangerlussuaq should be inhabited exclusively by the military. We all know that there are many citizens in Kangerlussuaq who have lived there for many years and want to stay, and that Kangerlussuaq is a good place for research and tourism. Therefore we greatly appreciate anyone who chooses to settle in Kangerlussuaq and contributes to the development.", it says.

Mayor Malik Berthelsen will participate in a citizens' meeting in Kangerlussuaq on Monday, May 25, together with the director of the Arctic Command.