The Marina neighborhood was left without water for half a day today due to Abbanoa's work on the primary distribution pipeline between Viale Bonaria and Viale Cimitero, as part of the subway construction project. Business owners were the ones who paid the highest price, many of whom had to close for lunch, with the neighborhood streets crowded with tourists looking for a place to eat. This meant half a morning of lost revenue, prompting Abbanoa to schedule the work outside of the usual opening hours for hospitality businesses.
Alberto Melis, restaurateur and representative of the FIPE Confcommercio Sud Sardegna (FIPE Confcommercio Southern Sardinia) expressed outrage: " Is it possible that Abbanoa would decide to leave a neighborhood without services in the middle of summer? Such disruption cannot be created at a time when it's packed with tourists, with businesses operating at full capacity. It's a huge economic loss and a disrespectful act. Work like this should be done at night. Furthermore, the official communication didn't mention today at all, except for a second version published on the Abbanoa website that mentions a suspension today from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., likely the result of a communication error."
The suspension of water supply, as indicated in an initial official communication from Abbanoa, was announced for yesterday, Monday, July 28th, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and tomorrow, Wednesday, July 30th, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, yesterday the water supply never failed, while today it did, following the correction. For Emanuele Frongia, president of Fipe Confcommercio Sud Sardegna, "it is unacceptable that such a decision be made without clear advance notice, especially during this crucial period for the economic survival of many businesses. We need greater attention and respect for those who work and invest in our region. We need a shared plan agreed upon with local businesses."
The issue came up in the ongoing City Council meeting. Roberto Mura (Alleanza Sardegna) intervened, saying that Cagliari "is held hostage by Abbanoa; we can't continue like this without planning."