Scoglitti port dredging funding sparks political dispute

A political dispute has emerged in Sicily regarding the allocation of funds for maritime infrastructure. Regional lawmakers are clashing over a rejected €3 million amendment intended for the dredging of the port in Scoglitti.

Giorgio Assenza of Fratelli d’Italia defended the decision, stating that the government opposed the amendment due to a lack of necessary project prerequisites and the inability to commit the expenditure by the December 31 deadline. He noted that the project for the refuge port in Gela is different because it possesses an executive project and has received favorable technical opinions.

In contrast, Nello Dipasquale of the Partito Democratico (PD) challenged these claims, asserting that an executive project for Scoglitti already exists. The PD argues that the decision to fund Gela while leaving Scoglitti behind constitutes a double standard that neglects the needs of local fishermen facing silting issues and rising fuel costs. The PD intends to challenge these budgetary decisions within the regional assembly.