Desenzano Unveils €55B Public Works Plan Ahead of Elections
To end on a high note, the Anelli Administration, before the upcoming spring electoral challenge for the city’s governance, presented a package of public works and interventions last night. The Public Works Councillor Tommaso Giardino introduced in the City Council a series of projects involving significant commitment, not only financially (we’re talking about 55 billion euros to be invested) but also with considerable impact on the territory. It should be emphasized that these are works of extreme necessity.
“Undoubtedly,” Giardino begins, “as an administration, we intend to present these works to the assembly because they were and still are part of the majority’s program. Therefore, there are no substantial novelties compared to what was announced years ago.” But does he consider this a political move ahead of the elections? “I decisively reject that accusation, because there is a well-defined financial plan and then there is the novelty of private partners entering some of the projects.”
Restoration of the Castle and Other Interventions
The project Giardino refers to is the restoration of the Castello, a major unfinished work by all administrations that have ruled Desenzano in recent decades. Over 16 billion euros are needed to repair and revitalize the fortress.
“With the involvement of private partners,” admits the councillor, “we are working on an agreement: if it goes through, we could finally give a face to the Castello.” Are these partners from the conference sector? “I cannot answer, because the contacts must remain confidential for now…”
As mentioned, the revival of the Castello has been discussed for decades. There is also a study conducted by a spontaneously formed committee that outlined an extremely interesting scenario: but nothing more was done afterward.
The other public works on which the center-right administration will focus in the upcoming semester include the renovation of Villa Brunati, in Rivoltella. This is another emblematic story entirely Desenzanese, as decades have passed merely deciding what role it should serve.
“The intervention,” Giardino resumes, “requires an investment of 2 billion euros financed with loans and involves creating a new media library and the library headquarters, which would relocate from the lakeside promenade. There are also plans for expanding and renovating the Carabinieri station (700 million), the first school complex in Rivoltella (650 million), and the ‘Catullo’ middle school (410 million).”
Other projects include strengthening the water supply system (1.5 billion euros) and sewer systems (2 billion euros), as well as the water treatment plant (3 billion). In the port sector, which was recently transferred from the Region, the municipality has planned an expansion of the Desenzano port and the creation of new moorings for boats that will transport tourists across the lake to and from Desenzano, encouraging them to leave their cars in parking areas (2.2 billion).
Additionally, at the railway station, new parking spaces are planned (about 550), along with a pedestrian underpass. Another vehicle underpass at Via Bezzecca will be designed to allow drivers to access the main road safely. Lastly, the green areas of Via S. Benedetto, Via Vicina, and Via Michelangelo will be improved.
