Bitonto Mayor Faces Criticism Over Delayed Piazza Moro Renovation

In Bitonto, the municipal administration has drawn sharp criticism for continuing work on the Piazza Aldo Moro and Via Repubblica after the European Union recovery fund (PNRR) financing expired on June 30. The mayor decided to start the works alone, without consultation with the council or opposition, prompting local group Coraggio Bitonto to allege a lack of transparency and possible cost‑shifting to citizens.

Councilor Nicola Acquafredda highlighted procedural irregularities, noting the absence of a final delivery report, execution of works deviating from the approved project, and an advance payment calculated on the full contract—including the still‑unstarted Via Repubblica works. The mayor has rejected calls for an inquiry, while residents and merchants express concerns over safety and the financial burden that may fall on taxpayers.