Messina Bridge impossible for those lacking courage-Meloni

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 16 - The government's plan to build the world's longest suspension bridge across the Messina Straits to link Sicily to the Italian mainland would be impossible fro those lacking the courage to make it real, Premier Giorgia Meloni said of the long-delayed and controversial project Friday.
    Speaking at the signing between the government and the Calabria Region of a key agreement for development and cohesion, the premier said that among the funds for Calabria there are "the (initial) 300 million euro earmarked by law for the construction of the bridge over the Strait of Messina, what many like to say will never be done, it is impossible, I am convinced that impossible is the word used by those who have no courage and no desire to work, because for those who have courage and desire to work things get done".
    Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini said Tuesday responding to a complaint filed to prosecutors by the opposition Democratic Party (PD) and Green-Left Alliance (AVS) arguing that the bridge project should be halted again due to an alleged lack of transparency on procedures and funding, that the bridge would be built and would be "the pride of all".
    "The No party is shameless: they do not win at the ballot box and so they use the courts trying to stop a work that will bring work, development and growth to Sicily, Calabria and the whole country," said the rightwing League party leader, who has made a banner of the bridge, once a pet project of the late Silvio Berlusconi.
    "Let the left get over it: the bridge will be built and it will be a boast for the whole of Italy. Full steam ahead!" Salvini said recently that the government's 2024 budget provides over 10 billion euros of financial coverage for the project, thus proving doubters wrong.
    The 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 League leader has said the bridge will cost no more than 12 billion euros spread over 15 years. (ANSA).