It is the municipalities’ responsibility to maintain the existing roads and to plan and construct new roads.
Even so, the roads in some municipalities are in very bad condition, and this also applies in Qeqertarsuaq.
It is the municipalities’ responsibility to maintain the existing roads and to plan and construct new roads.
Even so, the roads in some municipalities are in very bad condition, and this also applies in Qeqertarsuaq.
In Qeqertarsuaq, where just over 800 people live, the roads to the elderly homes are so bad that they are considered dangerous by the residents. And in another part of the city, managers in two housing facilities for people with disabilities state that the roads to these homes are very bad and impossible for some of the residents to use.
Therefore, they believe that the Municipality of Qeqertalik is seriously neglecting its responsibility and that this cannot be accepted.
Roads under construction
According to the acting village chairman in Qeqertarsuaq in the Municipality of Qeqertalik, Johan Frederik Zeeb, it is not unusual that the temporary construction roads that are built during the construction of new houses continue to be used after the construction is completed in the same condition and without being covered with asphalt.
Many roads in towns and settlements in Municipality Qeqertalik need to be repaired, but this has not been prioritized for several years, says opposition member of the municipal council in Municipality Qeqertalik, Aqqa Jensen, Siumut.
Dangerous for the elderly
84-year-old Maalianguaq Svendsen and her husband have lived in the old people’s homes since 2009. In connection with the construction of the old people’s homes, a road was built which is not asphalted, but covered with gravel. Every spring, when the snow melts, the road down towards the homes becomes a stream, and at times it becomes impossible to pass.
– Some of those who live here walk poorly, and some use walkers. The road is very bad for the elderly and is getting worse, so it is dangerous. I know one of the residents got hurt here.
– For many years we have approached the municipality to get the road repaired, but unfortunately nothing happens. We pay tax like everyone else, so I don’t understand why it isn’t solved, she says.
Maalianguaq Svendsen believes that it is not acceptable that the very bad roads to housing for the elderly and those with walking difficulties are not repaired, and that it should be considered a gross neglect of responsibility.
Not heard
The housing community Ikinngutit in Qeqertarsuaq is a housing facility for people with disabilities and special needs. According to manager Salomine Mølgaard, the road there is not at all suitable for the residents.
– The road leading up to the housing association was a temporary construction road during construction, and it has subsequently been put into use as it is. It is on a slope and when there is a lot of frost it is very dangerous.
– We have a resident with a severe disability, and we cannot get him up the road in question in a wheelchair. Therefore, the possibilities of taking the person out when the weather is good are very limited.
– I have approached the Municipality of Qeqertalik several times about that road being put in order, but this has not led to anything until today. Therefore, I believe that the municipality is seriously neglecting its responsibility, she says.
The housing community Isikkivik is a housing offer for people with disabilities and special needs, and the road to it, which is on a slope, is a construction road from the construction, which is still used in the same condition. The road is not suitable for residents to use, including for people with severe disabilities, and it can be dangerous, says the head of the Isikkivik Housing Association, Dina Christiansen.
– The road becomes very dangerous when it is slippery. As there is no turning space on the road, the cars have to back up when they come forward. Therefore, it is very worrying in terms of security.
– I have written and called the municipality several times about the road being repaired, but there is no response, she says.
Dina Christiansen also believes that the Municipality of Qeqertalik is largely neglecting its responsibility when it comes to the roads in question.
Advocate for people with disabilities should respond
The spokesperson for persons with disabilities, Qivioq Løvstrøm, traveled during the spring in Avannaata Kommunia and Kommune Qeqertalik. At the beginning of June, she was in Qeqertarsuaq, and in that connection she saw, among other things, the roads in question. She states that a report and recommendations on the results of the trip will be handed over to the two municipalities in August.
The mayor of Municipality Qeqertalik, Simigaq Heilmann, Demokraatit, was contacted by Sermitsiaq for a comment on what plans the municipality has for the roads in question, but the inquiry has not yet been answered.
