Doesn't Understand National Audit Office: 'I Led the Project'

The report from the National Audit Office (Ríkisendurskoðun) on the defense barriers in Grindavík has understandably drawn a strong response from Víðir Reynisson, a prominent figure in civil defense and now a Member of Parliament. From our perspective at Morgunblaðið, it is crucial to present both sides of this important discussion. Reynisson's assertion that he was not consulted by the auditors, despite leading the project, raises serious questions about the methodology and thoroughness of the audit itself.

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It might have been ideal for the National Audit Office to speak with those who worked on this. I was not spoken to, nor my department head or deputy. Therefore, I doubt that what is presented is based on correct data.

His claim that he, his direct supervisor, and his second-in-command were not interviewed suggests that the audit office may have missed critical insights from those directly involved in the project's execution. Reynisson's insistence that he bore responsibility and found the system clear, along with his confidence in the professionalism of his collaborators from Verkís and Vegagerðin, provides a counter-narrative to the audit's findings of administrative and oversight deficiencies.

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We who worked on this know that I, as the head of civil defense, bore responsibility and I found the system to be clear. I also felt that those I worked with from Verkís and Vegagerðin had their roles clear.

The context of an emergency response is vital here. Reynisson highlights that decisions were made under duress, responding to a rapidly evolving natural disaster. The construction of these barriers was a direct reaction to volcanic activity, based on scientific models, and aimed at protecting critical infrastructure like Grindavík and Svartsengi. The fact that the project, in its primary goal of protecting these areas, was successful, and that cost estimates were met, should not be overlooked amidst criticisms of administrative processes.

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I led the project and was responsible for it. If it is being claimed that I could not handle the project, then that is not correct.

While the National Audit Office focuses on administrative clarity and traceability of costs, Reynisson emphasizes the operational success and the challenging circumstances. He points out that the barriers were built based on lava flow models, but the reality of the eruptions repeatedly exceeded predictions. This dynamic situation necessitated rapid decision-making, sometimes in a state of "absolute emergency." His acknowledgment of one instance where a barrier was raised without ministerial involvement, while not recalling others, suggests that while the audit office may have identified procedural gaps, the overarching success in a high-stakes, unpredictable environment is a significant achievement that warrants acknowledgment.

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The main goal was to protect Grindavík and Svartsengi, and that was achieved. In that respect, it was successful. The cost estimates also held up, based on the estimates we presented to the Prime Minister.