Messina Bridge project lacks seismic testing - Bonelli

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 13 - 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". (ANSA).