Catania ends contract with water provider SIE over service failures

The Territorial Water Assembly of Catania voted to terminate its contract with the private operator Società Idrica Etnea (SIE) after persistent complaints about leaks, inaccurate bills, missed meter readings, lack of local offices and wastewater‑treatment problems. Only two municipalities voted against the move and two abstained.

Riposto mayor Davide Vasta welcomed the decision, saying it reflects citizens’ interests and marks a step toward restoring an efficient, transparent water service. Regional deputy Salvo Tomarchio (Forza Italia) described the dispute as a 20‑year stalemate, noting network losses exceed 50 % in some areas and calling for a reassessment of the management model, while not ruling out private involvement if it guarantees performance.