Salò Council Delegates Water Cycle Management to Garda Uno Company
Everything related to the “water cycle” in Salò will be under the control of the Azienda Consorzio Garda Uno. This was decided on Tuesday evening by the Salò City Council, which approved the agreement for delegating the complete management of the “Integrated Water Service” to the special company, which already handled sewage treatment and partially managed sewer systems, and now will also oversee the aqueduct.
Opposing votes came from minority councilors Ventura and Zambelli of “Civica per Salò” (“we agree on Garda Uno, but the agreement lacks clarification on personnel management, special utilities, and the appointment of the Control Commission“) and Pezzali from Msft (“tariffs will definitely increase”). Supporting the motion, along with the majority but with necessary recommendations, were Cobelli and Forni of “Salò Viva”.
Duration and objectives of the agreement
The agreement has a duration of seven years, with the first year serving as a trial and transitional phase. The Consortium will have the opportunity to acquire the technical and economic knowledge necessary to proceed with the project: “At the end of the first year — explains Nicola Scotti, Budget Councillor and former member of the Board of Directors of Garda Uno — the Company will need to submit a detailed report on management and the interventions necessary to improve services. Additionally, the Municipality has the option to rescind the contract.”
History and structure of Garda Uno
Garda Uno was established in the 1970s, when several Garda municipalities decided to form a consortium for water purification, with Salò among the founding members. In 1975, other municipalities joined, covering the area from Limone to Sirmione.
In the 1990s, it became a special company and underwent renewal. “With the transition from economy-based management, which was no longer permitted under the Galli law, and with the new management — says arch. Richetti, director of Garda Uno — the company now aims to serve as the operational arm of the Municipalities“, which own a percentage of the consortium.”
Tariff policies and oversight
The setting of tariffs will no longer be decided by the Municipalities, but by the basins. “The single basin tariff risks penalizing some towns, like Salò, which over the years have paid particular attention to water management issues,” all minorities emphasize.
“Garda Uno has been operating in our area for years,” responds Bruno Faustini, majority group leader. “We will remain vigilant and attentive to its operations.”