Shadows of speculation and corruption over Agrigento, which, amidst many doubts, is about to play the role of Capital of Culture 2025. The latest arrests in Sicily also result from choices made by those who administer the City of Temples.
The engineer Paolo Di Loreto, appointed in June last year as consultant for the territorial and urban planning of the city of Agrigento, an appointment requested by the regional councilor Roberto Di Mauro (political ally of the League) and by the mayor, Francesco Miccichè, was arrested and placed under house arrest as part of the “Pandora” operation. According to the Catania Prosecutor’s Office, corrupt officials received money and other various benefits, almost always thanks to the constant intermediation activity of the engineer Paolo Di Loreto, to grant permits and assign jobs to friendly entrepreneurs.
“In light of these facts – says the city PD secretary, Nino Cuffaro – a severe inspection is required of the urban planning office of the municipality of Agrigento to verify the activity of the last year which, by virtue of the work of the new consultant, has led to a notable increase in building permits, especially in the coastal areas of Cannatello and Zingarello”.
On the subject of new building expansion, land management, treatment of the devastation caused by illegal construction (crucial issues for every city, even more so for the city of the Valley of the Temples, a UNESCO heritage site) there is no ongoing debate in Agrigento, note the opposition. While the new PUG (General Urban Plan) is effectively blocked by the inactivity of the right-wing Miccichè junta, constantly conditioned by the powerful Di Mauro. “The general directives for the plan – recalls the PD – were approved by the previous municipal council, for the planning costs a specific chapter was foreseen in the regional budget (therefore the alibi of the lack of municipal funds does not hold up), but the assignment for the drafting of the PUG is not assigned.
Evidently, the new plan – continues the note – having to incorporate the new provision on zero land consumption, would be an obstacle to the wishes and concrete interests of the political class that occupies the city government. With these credentials, which are anything but appropriate, Agrigento is preparing to boast the title of Italian Capital of Culture in 2025, with a program that focuses on respect for nature, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Development sustainable, but no politician seems to point out its inconsistency. One of two things: they didn’t read the program, or they didn’t understand it”, is the bitter conclusion of the PD’s position.
Tags: Corruption scandal Agrigento threatens title Capital Culture
