Kotka calls on police to investigate Rankki and Kirkonmaa water supply subsidy

3.3.2025 | The City of Kotka will submit a request to the police to investigate whether the City was deceived in the application for the water supply subsidy for the islands of Rankki and Kirkonmaa in such a way that the procedure would constitute a criminal offence.

The City Council also decided to oblige Kotkan Saariston Ystävät ry to submit a report based on samples to prove that the water from the water tank under the responsibility of the association and its connection to the water distribution network is usable as domestic water for the needs of the housing association, the business and the cottagers.
The report must be submitted by May 15, 2025, with the threat that the City may begin exploring the possibility of recovering the grant.

In its grant application for both Rankki and Kirkonmaa, Friends of the Kotka Islands Association has pointed out that the association has enabled the construction of an osmosis plant in Rankki and Kirkonmaa to secure the supply of water to the islands. Both applications state that the installation is now complete and will provide water for the housing association, businesses and cottagers.

A cost estimate has been submitted with the application and invoices have been submitted for the activities. The recording of the readiness to supply water has been found to be incorrect and the Association itself has told the Association, in a report requested in the autumn of 2024, that the installation of the plant will not be completed until the summer of 2024.

The investigations have revealed that the Friends of Kotka Archipelago Association is responsible for the osmosis installations and the production of water until it is delivered to the water distribution network. The distribution network, and hence the supply of water to users, is the responsibility of another party.

In its decision of 7 October 2024, the City Council considered that Kotka Saariston Ystävät ry had misled the City at the stage of awarding the grant on the grounds set out in the decision. On the basis of the information obtained in the case, there is no reason to assess the matter differently and it is therefore justified to submit a request for investigation to the police and ask the police to investigate whether the conduct in applying for the grant fulfilled any of the elements of a criminal offence.

On the basis of the information provided, it appears that the clean water tank downstream of the osmosis installation would be the responsibility of the Kotkan Saariston Ystävät ry. However, Kotkan Saariston Ystävät ry has not provided any evidence, based on samples or measurements, that the water leaving the purified water tank for distribution is fit for domestic use.

Since the grant has been awarded to ensure that water is available for the needs of the housing association, the business and the cottagers, the City of Kotka obliges the Kotkan Saariston Ystävät ry to provide evidence, based on samples, that the water from the water tank under its responsibility is usable for the needs of the housing association, the business and the cottagers.

The report must be submitted by 15 May 2025, with the risk that the city may start exploring the possibility of recovering the grant.