Residents in Skerjafjörður are increasingly worried that the city of Reykjavík may begin landfilling in their area without the proper permits. Eggert Hjartarson, the chairperson of the local community association, Prýðisfélagið Skjaldur, has highlighted the longstanding opposition from locals who value the natural beach and its historical significance, particularly memories from the wartime era. The proposed landfilling project has been in planning since 2019, but local residents have continuously protested against it due to its impact on both the community and the environment.

Currently, construction is underway at the southern end of Reykjavík Airport, where work on coastal protection for the proposed Fossvogur bridge is taking place. The beach that the landfilling is intended to cover is adjacent to this project, raising concerns among residents that the city is rushing forward. With the area’s historical and ecological significance, community leaders are calling for careful consideration and adherence to legal processes before any landfilling activities commence.

The potential landfilling not only threatens the local ecosystem but also the cultural history embedded within it. Many community members believe that changing the landscape would irreversibly alter their community identity and heritage. As discussions continue, it remains crucial for the local government to engage with residents and address their fears to find a mutually agreeable solution before any further action is taken.