Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi announced that work on the Chiaia funicular is nearing completion, with the mechanical part already completed. During a press briefing, Manfredi said: “We have set the reopening for the end of the year, but we will try to bring it forward if possible.”
Manfredi stressed the importance of testing, which could influence the timing of reopening: “We hope to be able to reopen before the end of 2024, but the testing times are not easily predictable.” The mayor explained the difficulties related to the city's bad reputation, resulting from past administrations that did not pay the companies responsible for the works.
This has made it difficult to find companies willing to participate in the tenders: “The company that built the central funicular was never paid by the previous administration. When the tender was announced, this company warned other specialized companies not to participate because Napoli "doesn't pay."
Manfredi highlighted that the funicular sector is very limited, with only a few companies operating at a European level. The combination of limited resources and a bad reputation has led to deserted tenders, further complicating the reopening process. The mayor concluded by stressing the importance of respecting financial commitments: "Keeping commitments and paying is the way to do things. The administration must remember that it is a fundamental institution, otherwise citizens pay for services."
Article published on 12 July 2024 - 19:10
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