Sicilian Bridge Dream: A Landmark Project Faces Doubt and Division
Italy's government is pushing forward with a controversial bridge connecting Sicily and the mainland, but the project faces scrutiny from the Court of Auditors over cost and legal compliance. Despite promises by Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini, the bridge proposal divides opinion on its necessity and environmental impact.
The Italian government is pressing ahead with its ambitious project to construct a bridge linking Sicily to mainland Italy, facing both financial and regulatory scrutiny by the country's Court of Auditors. The 13.5 billion euro venture aims to span 3.7 kilometers between Messina and Calabria but has provoked widespread debate.
Much of the controversy stems from disagreements on the bridge's necessity and its environmental repercussions in a region prone to seismic activity. While proponents argue the connection will spur economic growth in Sicily and Calabria, opponents highlight the potential environmental damage and question the project's financial viability.
The project's continuity now hinges on the Court's final decision, expected imminently, as the government contemplates methods to override potential legal obstacles. The Eurolink consortium, including Italy's Webuild, is set to take on the construction, amid questions over compliance with EU competition rules and rising costs from initial estimates.
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