Municipal Sewer Project in Calmasino: Promises and Future Plans

Words and Promises. It seems that families’ expectations from Spadi and Cristo di Calmasino, who have been waiting for over twenty years to connect their homes to the municipal sewer system, are nearing their end. Recently, a large delegation from the municipal administration met in the community hall of the district with the heads of households from the affected area to take stock of the situation.

Current situation and commitments of the administration

“The problem exists and has not been resolved to date,” admitted the deputy mayor Walter Rizzi quite calmly. We are aware of it. Next year, whether through loans or charges, we will bear the expense of 380 million lire to carry out the work. The necessary amount for the sewer trunk line has already been included in the 2001 budget.

Those present are satisfied but currently somewhat skeptical. “The upheavals of recent years have made us distrustful,” politely reiterated Loris Lonardi. “Doubting because promises have too often not been followed by actions. Just on the eve of the last two administrative elections in 1995 and 1999, we were assured that the work would be soon completed.

But that’s not all. As recently as February, during the approval of the municipal budget, the chapter related to the sewer trunk line construction mysteriously disappeared, despite there being a project from 1997. The chapter was later reinserted at the request of the minor parties. In light of these facts, a certain distrust is inevitable.”

Responses and future plans

“We give you the broadest assurances,” Rizzi replied, “that the work will be completed in 2001.” “Next year, once the preliminary budget is approved,” explained the public works councilor Aristide Avanzini, “the tender for the project will begin. By summer, the sewer section will be completed.

At the same time, we are exploring the possibility of extending the Italgas network in the same area. We have held meetings with the company and requested a spending plan. This fall,” concluded Avanzini, “we will undertake a 180 million lire project to replace the sewer manhole in the Esso area with a waterproof prefabricated structure. Pumps will then be replaced, and the old pipes will be substituted with steel ones.”