The mayor of the
southern Italian town of Petilia Policastro threatened to resign
Friday after funds that he was promised to protect the area
against landslides failed to materialise.
The Calabrian town, which has a population of almost
10,000 people, has been devastated by more than 30 landslides in
recent years which have forced the evacuation of 100 people from
their homes.
Petilia Policastro was promised five million euros for
improvements to the town's water drainage systems a year ago.
But Mayor Amedeo Nicolazzi said the money was yet to
materialise and warned the authorities had "abandoned" the town.
"For several months they've been promising funds for
improvement works but no one has yet helped us," he said.
"If the situation continues like this, I am ready to leave
my position because I don't want deaths on my conscience".
In recent months, the mayor of the town of Crotone has
issued several eviction orders, some of which have also affected
local businesses.
"Thank God that it hasn't rained for five months," he
said. "But when the rain finally arrives, I fear there will be
further damage."
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