The Norwegian Parliament has voted to pay NOK 70 million (USD 12 million) for an upgrading of the grounds around the Royal Palace in Oslo, to improve drainage and prevent the gravel covering the grounds from running down into nearby streets during heavy rains.
Members of Parliament agreed that the current ground cover “is not representative” and should be improved to provide for a better appearance. There currently is around 13,200 square meters of gravel around the palace, and debate has gone on for years over how to maintain it.
Now a new type of permanent ground cover will replace the loose gravel and better drainage systems will be installed. The work will begin just after the annual parade that runs in front of the palace on the 17th of May (Norway’s Constitution Day). The project is due to be completed before Norway celebrates the bicentennial of its constitution on May 17 2014.
newsinenglish.no staff
