Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Jun 19/00) - It's time the Nunavut government starting taking the hamlet of Arviat seriously, says Mayor David Alagalak.

With an ever-increasing population and the service needs that go along with it, he says Arviat needs to have more control over the decisions affecting its future.

"Prior to the year 2000, we had a very successful working relationship with the Nunavut government in a way that worked for the betterment of the community," says Alagalak.

"The local hamlet was able to govern the community and take part in NG decisions on capital projects and major issues in Arviat, including full-project authority (FPA) efforts such as wharves, water reservoirs, sewage lagoons, garages, government buildings, public housing and other infrastructure programs."

Alagalak says council needs more power when it comes to major decisions affecting the running of the hamlet.

He says although the hamlet unsuccessfully pursued FPA over the housing program in 2000, he hopes the NG will come back with a system for that to happen in 2001.

"We're very active in Arviat right now building a new nursing station, Co-op and Northern stores and two government residential buildings.

"As always, hamlet council is encouraging contractors to maximize local hiring of tradesmen and labourers.

"We hope council's wishes will be met by both local and outside contractors working in our community."

Arviat's population has steadily increased during the past 10 years and the community's service needs are growing along with it.

Alagalak says government authorities are desperate to make necessary adjustments for providing services to both the present and future populations of Arviat.

He says council is working hard to identify future land-development sites within the community.

Arviat is a low land, requiring a great deal of earth work for drainage systems to be effective.

"We need to identify the best way to develop an effective system with limited funds," says Alagalak.

"The NG has to take Arviat seriously as it grows and provide the extra funding for situations like this.

"As our population continues to grow rapidly, our housing and infrastructure needs should be a top priority of the Nunavut government."