The controversial project to build a
bridge across the Messina
Strait linking the island region of Sicily to mainland Italy in
Calabria has been drawn up without wind and seismic testing, the
leader of the opposition Green and left Alliance (AVS) told the
Lower House during question time with Transport and
Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini on Wednesday.
"No seismic or wind test has been carried out for the Strait of
Messina Bridge project," said Bonelli, citing the
technical-scientific report on the planned bridge presented to
parliament a few days ago.
"On page 47 the Scientific Committee says that the wind tests
have not been done, and the Eurolink Consortium replies that
they have not been done in order not to waste time," continued
the lawmaker.
"And on page 14 it says that microseismic zoning tests are
missing.
You want to build this piece of infrastructure in the most
seismic zone in Italy without doing these tests? You are
unscrupulous," Bonelli told Salvini.
Premier Giorgia Meloni's government has revived the project to
build what would be the world's longest suspension bridge, which
had been long delayed due to funding issues as well as fears of
mafia infiltration and graft, and seismic and environmental
concerns.
The CEO of the Messina Strait Company, Pietro Ciucci, said last
month that work may start this summer, despite a probe triggered
by a complaint from opposition lawmakers including Bonelli
concerning "planning and implementation activities" for the
bridge.
Salvini, who is pushing the project, blasted the move, saying
the bridge is needed to unite millions of Sicilians (with the
rest of Italy), pollute less and travel faster and insisting
that the project will go ahead.
Salvini said "I'm not going to be scared by the Left, some judge
or some left-wing journalist", adding that "as long as you let
me be a minister I'll go into my office to do the public works
this country needs".
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