In Scampia it is the day of farewell to the Vela Gialla. The last families are abandoning the building, in compliance with the order of the mayor Gaetano Manfredi, which imposes the definitive eviction by today. The measure is necessary to start the preliminary operations for the demolition, part of the urban redevelopment project "Restart Scampia".
Among the residents preparing to leave their homes, there is a woman who says: “I’ve lived in this house since 2004, but I’ve been here in the Vele since 1981. I got stuck in here.” His words reflect a life spent in a difficult context, marked by degradation and abandonment.
The utilities of the building will be turned off in the next few hours and, if necessary, the police will intervene to support the eviction operations. But the departure is not without difficulties. Many families, despite having received a subsidy, have not been able to find alternative accommodation.
“There are those who do not want to rent to people of the Vele - explains a resident – saying: I don't want dogs, I don't want children, I don't want people who haven't paid rent for years. It's true, there are those who have taken advantage of it, but there are also people who don't work and don't have an income. Staying here is certainly not a good thing."
Some residents, despite everything, have tried to make the spaces livable with sacrifices and DIY maintenance interventions. But the conditions of the Vele are now unsustainable. “There has never been any maintenance – adds another inhabitant –. This problem will only be solved by demolishing and rebuilding. It is necessary to give new homes to families who have been waiting for years”.
Hope: “It is necessary to give new homes to families”
Uncertainty about the future weighs on many. “I will go to my parents, my wife to hers,” confides a man. “We have to separate because we haven’t found anything to rent. Before it was difficult, now it’s almost impossible.”
Despite the pain of farewell, a sense of resignation and hope prevails among the residents. “After so long, it is better to go and live better,” concludes another resident. “You can’t live in here anymore, especially for children. It’s time for a change.”
With the departure of the last residents, an important chapter for Scampia closes. The demolition of the Vela Gialla marks a decisive step towards the relaunch of the neighborhood and the promise of a more dignified life for those who live there.
Article published on 4 December 2024 - 12:12
Video Chronicles
It is sad to see families having to leave their homes, but I understand that it is necessary for the good of all. Let's hope that the new projects bring real improvements and that people find decent housing. The situation is complicated.