As a result of the war in Ukraine, the Integration and Diversity Directorate (IMDi) asked municipalities to map and assess settlement capacity. A preliminary assessment of the possibilities showed that Drammen municipality can accommodate up to 250 refugees per year.
The city council had previously decided to resettle up to 58 refugees in 2022, as requested by IMDi. Later, IMDi asked the municipality to assess the possibility of settling more people than these 58 people if the influx of refugees increased. The councilor assessed that it would be possible to settle there another 14 refugees and this assessment will be presented for consideration on March 15.
– An assessment of increasing the number of refugees who can be settled in the municipality of Drammen to 72 was made before the outbreak war in Ukraine. So far, over two million people have fled the war, and this will lead to the need for extraordinary settlement in Norway. When we see the consequences of the war in Ukraine, we must expect that there will be a request to settle more refugees, says councilor Elisabeth Enger.
The municipality was also asked to assess the possibility of the temporary admission of refugees
The assessment of increasing the number of resettable refugees to 250 is a preliminary assessment of the capacity in the commune and a non-binding report to the IMDi. The municipality of Drammen does not have access to housing for refugees, so in order to receive and arrange this number it is absolutely imperative that there is free capacity in the private housing market and that dormitories, apartments and possibly houses are available to those who come to Norway.
The municipality was also asked to assess the possibility of temporary admission of refugees until settlement. The councilor informed that the Drammen commune would be able to temporarily admit up to 50 people. It is also a non-binding feedback.
A fire on Fjell
The latest fire on Fjell last Wednesday affects the number in the Drammen municipality's report to the IMDi. The spare capacity in the municipality's housing market is limited and it is currently unclear how many Fjell residents will need an alternative home for some time.
- In this situation, we must be able to take two considerations. Drammen will help to cope with the expected refugee influx. At the same time, we will do our best to take the best care of our residents who were affected by the fire on Fjell. More than 300 people will need a different place to live for a shorter or longer period. This naturally affects the housing capacity in the municipality, says councilor Elisabeth Enger.
Source: Drammen commune
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