Crotone faces sewage floods and contaminated drinking water

The city of Crotone is facing a dual environmental and public health crisis involving sewage leaks and contaminated drinking water. In the Papanice district, dark, foul-smelling sewage has been flooding streets—including via Pironti, via Largo delle Querce, via Fiume Neto, and via Fiume Crati—for approximately ten days. This overflow has created an environmental emergency, causing unbearable odors, risks to motorists, and potential soil instability affecting adjacent land.

Simultaneously, public drinking fountains in five locations, including Piazza Mazzini, Piazza Immacolata, and Piazza Ferrovia, have been identified as contaminated. In response, Mayor Vincenzo Voce issued ordinance number 344 on September 25, imposing a temporary ban on using water from these fountains.

Local residents and community leaders have expressed frustration over the lack of intervention. While the water utility Sorical holds exclusive responsibility for the maintenance of water and sewage networks, a jurisdictional dispute between the municipality and the company has delayed repairs. A local citizens' committee has announced plans to file a formal complaint with the Prosecutor's Office in Crotone to address the situation.