Italy

Experts assess possible new Naples-area dump

Article published on the 2008-05-27 Latest update 2008-05-27 19:49 TU

Garbage crowds the streets of Naples
(Photo: Reuters)

Only days after protests over opening new garbage dumps around Naples turned violent, demonstrators allowed environmental experts in Tuesday to begin to assess a potential new site in the southwestern Chaiano suburb. Residents are concerned that the new site is only 1.6 kilometres away from a hospital, and could cause potential health hazards.

Regional and national experts will take two weeks to analyse this and 10 other potential new dumping sites. 

Meanwhile, garbage in Naples and the surrounding Campania region continues to pile up-- an estimated 53,000 tonnes litters the sidewalks and streets of the city. Residents wear masks to block the stench, resort to burning garbage or stay indoors to avoid the problem.

The regular dumps were filled to capacity last December, igniting a public debate and angering the area's residents.

The crisis has been blamed on the Camorra mafia, who have monopolized the business of waste disposal in the past 20 years, dumping trash illegally in and around Naples.

On Tuesday, Naples prosecutors also revealed that Neapolitan officials  colluded with local companies, illegally dumping trash in Germany "in a flagrant violation of EU rules," according to a statement released by their office.

The investigation involves 26 people, including Naples' chief officer Alessandro Pansa, who remains free while the other 25 were placed under house arrest. Pansa told Italian media he had no intention of resigning.