Construction work underway on the coastal road between Quartu and Villasimius is sparking political conflict just days before the Quartu elections. At the center of the electoral debate are Terna's work on the Tyrrhenian Link, extended through June with the approval of the Metropolitan City, and the traffic disruptions on the Principale 17 highway that have erupted in recent days.
"It's June, the tourist season has begun, and Quartu is once again caught unprepared," says Marco Porcu, center-right mayoral candidate, pointing the finger at the outgoing administration . "Thousands of motorists stranded for hours along one of the area's most important arteries. Construction sites are still open, work is underway, and there's enormous disruption right at the start of summer. What image are we giving to those who come here to enjoy our sea? Will they return? Will they recommend Quartu to others?" The center-right Quartu leader rants. "A city that wants to be a leader can't arrive in June with construction sites along the entire coastline, including Poetto, turning access to the coast into an obstacle course. Quartu has an extraordinary heritage, but it must be made accessible. Every disappointed tourist is a loss for the entire area. We need planning, not improvisation," concludes Porcu.
Outgoing mayor Graziano Milia, a candidate for re-election as mayor, isn't having it: "The statements made by Marco Porcu, a candidate for mayor of Quartu for the Brothers of Italy party, are surprising," Milia responds. "One of two things: either he's poorly informed and is completely unaware, or he's pretending not to know. Porcu is well aware that we've asked Terna, Abbanoa, the company laying the fiber optic cable, and ultimately the Metropolitan City, which has exclusive jurisdiction over the work on Provincial Road 17, not to occupy the road beyond May 31st . Abbanoa's work and the fiber optic cable installation have been on time, while Terna—which is benefiting from an extension until June 30th granted by the Metropolitan City, which owns the road—has not. We consider this a very serious matter," he emphasizes, "and one we will continue to fight for. Porcu would have done well to join me in this protest rather than trying to speculate to gain a few votes."
"Porcu should learn this for the future," Milia adds. "When a region suffers an injustice, we shouldn't divide but unite in the name of the city's supreme interest. His attempt at electoral speculation has made him forget that the original permits for the Metropolitan City were issued when his political leader, regional councilor Paolo Truzzu, was head of that body, and so far so good. But what's surprising is that he neglected to mention that the two most important permits were issued by the regional Department of the Environment when he was its president. Despite the harshness of my response, which was driven by the way I was called into question," Milia concludes, "I renew my invitation to Marco Porcu to join me in this battle."