The mayor of Naples, Gaetano Manfredi, signed an ordinance that prohibits access and permanence in the Vela Celeste homes, declared uninhabitable and unusable.
The measure comes after the collapse on July 22, which caused three deaths and thirteen injuries, including seven little girls, all of whom are now out of danger. An investigation is underway by the Public Prosecutor's Office into the causes of the disaster. The order, issued on August 8, 2024, follows the checks carried out by technicians from the Municipality and Civil Protection.
Scampia Collapse, Rental Bonuses Liquidated
To date, 201 autonomous welfare contributions for the displaced have been paid. The bonuses, ranging from 400 to 1300 euros, are valid until December 31 of this year, with the possibility of extension until 2026, the year in which the new apartments will be ready. Of the 205 contributions requested, only four have not yet been paid.
Details of the Ordinance
The ordinance signed by Mayor Gaetano Manfredi prohibits access and permanence in the entire Vela Celeste residential complex in Scampia. This decision is motivated by urgent reasons of public safety. Residents will be able to access only with the accompaniment of firefighters to recover their personal belongings.
The prohibition for anyone to access and remain in the entire residential complex owned by the municipality, located in Naples, Scampia district, via della Resistenza, called Vela Celeste, for urgent and contingent reasons of public safety due to the risks that threaten public and private safety and to guarantee urban safety, with the exception of those who need to recover, upon request to the competent municipal offices, goods and personal effects inside the real estate units and who must be accompanied by the Fire Brigade with the assistance of the Local Police.
Redevelopment Project
The Vela Celeste had already been evacuated for the first time in 2015, following a fire. The Municipality had allocated 200 thousand euros for safety measures. As part of the Restart Scampia project, financed by the Renzi Government, it was expected that it would be the only Vela to remain standing, redeveloping it and transforming it into offices for the Metropolitan City. However, the restyling work has not yet begun.
Clearance and Fire Brigade Checks
After the collapse on July 22, the firefighters intervened to verify the structural conditions of the Vela Celeste, finding a state of widespread degradation. The building was then declared unfit for use and evacuated. Further checks confirmed the need to disconnect all illegal electrical connections.
Evaluations and Criticalities
Technical investigations have highlighted serious structural deficiencies, requiring further investigation. The Housing Policy Service has reported the presence of critical issues related to safety, leading to the request for a mayoral ordinance of unusability.
Article published on 8 August 2024 - 23:16
