Printer-friendly version
 go
|
|
July 24, 2008
The locals chose Alcoa
Bergur Elías Ágústsson, mayor of Nordurthing municipality, says in an interview with Vidskiptabladid yesterday that there are no indications that an aluminum smelter will not be built in Bakki. He says that most of the people of North Iceland are hopeful regarding the construction of a smelter in Bakki with the associated power projects in Theistareykir and Gjástykki.
Bergur says that the project “A Sustainable Community – Smelter in Bakki” has a long prelude. In the beginning, the local people started to look at the geothermal power resources available in this part of the country, especially in Theistareykir, and the idea was developed in the community. “We have been in the defence for the past years because of reduced population and the community here has suffered many blows, with cuts in fishing quotas and the disappearance of many companies and industries. These large pillars of the community were removed and people had to react,” says Bergur.
He also says that the local people themselves chose Alcoa for the cooperation to develop power-intensive industry in the area. “We know that this is a responsible party which has certainly proved it. This company has reached further worldwide than any other company in its field. We want this element into our community and have chosen a responsible partner for it,” Bergur says.
“We think that this project is positive from all angles; there is a lot of unity about it and solidarity in this area that this is the right course for us. All the political parties have touched upon this matter and all of them have driven it forward,” says the mayor.
|
|
Bergur Elías Ágústsson, mayor of Nordurthing
|
