Dario Vassallo, president of the Reserve Commission for theprotected sea area Costa degli Infreschi and della Masseta, requested "clarity on the funds for the marine protected area”.
Reporting numerous irregularities and anomalies in the use of public resources, in particular in the management of the video surveillance system “Mampira.”
“For some time now I have been publicly denouncing to the competent authorities the irregularities in the management of public funds destined for the marine protected area,” declared Vassallo, highlighting the need for protection for this important natural and cultural heritage.
The investigation into the “Cilento System,” which led to the arrest of Francesco Alfieri, President of the Province of Salerno and mayor of Capaccio Paestum, together with the representatives of Dervit SpA, makes it urgent to shed light on the involvement of this company, already reported for problems in the management of the AMP.
Vassallo was appointed president of the Reserve Commission of the Costa degli Infreschi and Masseta protected area in January 2021 by the then Minister of the Environment Sergio Costa.
During his tenure, he detected irregularities, especially in the management of the video surveillance system “Mampira,” which was supposed to monitor violations in the MPA in real time and measure the water temperature, a crucial aspect for the protection of the area.
“Despite an investment of around two million euros, this system has never been put into operation,” Vassallo explained, highlighting that Dervit SpA, now at the centre of the “Cilento System” investigation, was involved as a subcontractor authorised by the Ministry of the Environment for work in the marine protected areas of Santa Maria di Castellabate and Costa degli Infreschi e della Masseta.
The president requested detailed information from the Director of the Cilento National Park, Dr. Romano Gregorio, receiving a report that attributes to Dervit the role of subcontractor for the installation of video surveillance systems. However, in light of recent investigations, Vassallo questions the legitimacy and approval criteria of these contracts.
Vassallo also complained that, despite a complaint filed in 2022 with the Vallo della Lucania Public Prosecutor's Office to request checks on the management of the MPA and the work of Dervit SpA, he has not yet received comprehensive responses or feedback on concrete actions taken. "The slowness in examining complaints of this type contrasts with the urgency required by the situation," he noted.
Finally, he made a public appeal to Director Gregorio to clarify who suggested and approved Dervit's choice for the subcontract, and to know if the company has carried out similar activities in the Municipality of Laurino, of which Gregorio himself is mayor.
“As President of the Reserve Commission,” Vassallo concluded, “I am committed to fulfilling public duties with discipline and honor, as established by Article 54 of the Italian Constitution. With the Angelo Vassallo Foundation, we will continue to ask for transparency so that institutions defend the integrity of our territory.
Cilento deserves clear and rapid answers, and we cannot accept that public resources are wasted or entrusted to companies under investigation, fueling irregularities that damage citizens' trust."
Article published on November 11, 2024 - 15:05
