Iqaluit, Nunavut - Iqaluit will receive $214 million from the federal government to repair water infrastructure after the capital's water was contaminated with fuel twice in the past six months.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this funding at a virtual press conference on Friday.

Trudeau said, "This is a positive change for the people of Iqaluit and for the local economy."

This money will come from the federal government's Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

Trudeau said the funds will be used to build a new water tank and improve the current water distribution system.

The city's 8,000 residents were unable to drink tap water for 60 days last fall after it was found to be contaminated with fuel.

 The treatment plant has been out of service since January, when fuel was again found in the water.

The city had previously requested $180 million from Ottawa to repair the old water infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Iqaluit Mayor Kenny Bell said the new infrastructure will be built in phases over four years.

Prime Minister P.J. Akeeagok said improvements are also necessary to build more homes in the city to address its housing gap.

Akeeagok said, "This upgraded infrastructure will not only be capable of mitigating the impacts of climate change but will also meet the increasing housing needs."

He added, "Access to clean and safe water is a right that should be available to any community. Nunavummiut have struggled for this basic right for far too long."