The historic district of Sant'Avendrace is facing an increasingly worrying emergency linked to the proliferation of rats and cockroaches, a phenomenon exacerbated by increasing urban decay and the constant abandonment of waste in the streets.
The report came in several days ago, both through citizen social media groups and through a report to the relevant authorities, filed by Valentina Scardapane: "I've lived in this neighborhood for four and a half years and I don't remember ever seeing a situation like this," she says. "It all started a few months ago, when I saw a figure walking in the dark on the ledge of my terrace. Then I noticed small mice in the ruin near my house and, a few days ago, much larger rats entering a neighbor's terrace and even roaming the street." The resident filed a formal report to the relevant authorities, but the situation, she says, has remained unchanged: "Between cockroaches, mice, and general neglect, this neighborhood is becoming unlivable."
Roberta Montis has also noticed a noticeable deterioration, with the problem extending to several areas of the neighborhood: "We live near Siotto, and until now we've had no problems with rats. This year, however, they've reached the porch, twice damaging the water pump I use to water the flowers. Cockroaches, on the other hand, are everywhere."
According to her, the phenomenon is widespread throughout the city: "My mother-in-law, who lives in the railway workers' building on Viale La Plaia, has the same problem. Rats roam freely in the yards. They're not little mice: they're enormous rats. We need serious rodent control. Nothing's been done for too long." Harsh comments also come from citizens' groups, describing a dire situation: "The neighborhood is becoming an open-air landfill. Everyone dumps waste in the local bins, and at night everything is thrown away. On Via Santa Gilla, everyone now stops their car to throw away trash," one reads. Gabriella Loddo also adds: "We need to start a petition or file a complaint. The neighborhood is in complete disarray, and we can't solve anything on our own. It's a disgrace." Meanwhile, residents' wait for structural intervention is becoming increasingly unnerving. The general perception is that the situation is out of control, worsening day by day.