A 175 million euro plan and a “zero tolerance” strategy against illegal dumping. These are the central points of the initiative dedicated to purification, protection of the sea and the integrated water cycle promoted at the regional Citadel by the president of the Calabria Region, Roberto Occhiuto.
The day opened with a summit on the twelfth floor of the Citadel attended by prefects, public prosecutors operating in Calabria and the regional leaders of the Port Authorities, the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza. Also present were the Councilor for the Environment Antonio Montuoro and the general manager of the Environmental Sustainability department Salvatore Siviglia.
Occhiuto: «Purification is a strategic priority for Calabria»
«Purification is a strategic priority for Calabria and the problem does not only concern the purifiers, but also the completion of the sewerage networks and the connection of the areas and businesses not yet served. Following the engineering project of the regional purification system, structural interventions worth approximately 175 million euros have been planned, entrusted to the beneficiary municipalities to be carried out in the coming years”.
Summit with prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in view of the summer
The meeting was also dedicated to defining control activities for the summer months, with particular attention to combating environmental crimes and illegal discharges.
Subsequently, in the Green Room of the Citadel, the discussion was extended to the Calabrian mayors for the presentation of the Plan of interventions financed through the Development and Cohesion Plan and the Calabria Pr 2021-2027. Also present was the regional councilor for Tourism Giovanni Calabrese.
«The general situation has improved»
During his speech, the President of the Region highlighted an overall improvement in the purification system.
«The relationship between the Region and local administrations – underlined the governor – has improved and the number of reports of critical environmental issues coming from citizens, associations and control bodies is decreasing. However, problematic situations persist in some stretches of the Calabrian coast, which are particularly exposed to phenomena that make environmental problems more evident. Investments made to attract tourism must be accompanied by constant improvement in the quality of the environment, an essential element for economic growth and development. The Region will continue to guarantee financial, technical and organizational support to the Municipalities to improve the management of purification and the environmental quality of the territories”.
Montuoro: «Among the most important investments ever»
The regional councilor for the environment Antonio Montuoro underlined the extent of the resources allocated to the sector.
«Today is an important moment – declared councilor Antonio Montuoro – to illustrate the actions we have implemented through long-term projects, which require structural and substantial interventions. Overall we are investing 175 million euros, a figure perhaps certainly among the most important ever invested in Calabria in the field of purification, with the aim of continuing to protect our bathing waters.”
Around 200 interventions are expected in the area
The general manager of the Environmental Sustainability department, Salvatore Sevilleillustrated the framework of the planned interventions.
«The project being implemented with Sorical – explained Siviglia – has made it possible to map and monitor the existing plants, identifying the main critical issues and planning urgent interventions both in the coastal municipalities and, progressively, in the inland areas. At the same time, numerous interventions to adapt, strengthen and complete the sewer networks and purification plants have been financed and implemented through FSC, POR, POC and PNRR resources”. According to what was reported by the general manager, the overall program involves all the Calabrian provinces and involves around 200 interventions in the area.
FdL rejoices: “Great work by councilor Montuoro”
The announcement was welcomed with great satisfaction by Michele De Simone, provincial coordinator of Fratelli d’Italia Crotone, and by Saverio Punelli, vice president of the Province of Crotone, who in a joint note underlined the relevance of the interventions for local communities. The beneficiary municipalities The regional funds will have a direct impact on seven areas of the province, strategic nodes from both a demographic and tourism point of view. The beneficiaries of the interventions are: Crotone, Cirò Marina, Isola Capo Rizzuto, Petilia-Mesoraca, Belvedere, Spinello, San Mauro Marchesato and Verzino.
«These are strategic interventions that will allow us to improve infrastructure, raise the quality of services, protect the environment and strengthen the competitiveness of our territories», explain De Simone and Punelli, highlighting how purification is the key not only for the quality of life of residents, but also for the protection of the sea and for the tourist image of the coast. The two political exponents wanted to express explicit thanks to the leaders of the regional Citadel: «Once again the president Roberto Occhiuto and the regional councilor for the Environment Antonio Montuoro demonstrate with facts a particular attention towards the historical problems of Calabria and the Crotone area, demonstrating the ability to transform planning into real works and investments. As Brothers of Italy we will continue to support every initiative useful for the growth and development of this territory”