Rome, February 22 – The Esquilino district in Rome has been experiencing widespread darkness for several days, prompting protests from frustrated residents. Key thoroughfares such as Via Giovanni Giolitti, Via Filippo Turati, Via Alfredo Cappellini, Via Mamiani, Piazza Fanti, and the area around the former Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, are particularly affected by the lack of street lighting during night hours.
Residents’ Frustration Mounts Amidst Unanswered Calls
The ongoing power outages have led to significant inconvenience and safety concerns for the local community. Residents have taken to social media, particularly the Facebook group “Rione XV Esquilino,” to voice their grievances and share images of the darkened streets. Despite numerous reports to Areti S.p.A., a company within the Acea group that manages Rome’s electricity distribution network, the problem persists.
One resident reported receiving a generic response from Areti S.p.A. stating, “Your request has been taken over. We will proceed with the repair of the fault according to the necessary timings.” However, residents indicate that no concrete action has been taken to restore power.
Esquilino’s Broader Security Challenges
The lack of lighting exacerbates existing security concerns in the Esquilino district, which has been grappling with an increase in street brawls, assaults, and petty theft. This situation has prompted intervention from the government, which deployed army patrols at the entrances of Termini Station from 7 AM to 1 AM, aiming to deter criminal activity.
City’s “Safe Streets” Plan and Future Investments
In response to the broader issue of urban safety and infrastructure, the Campidoglio announced a three-year “Safe Streets” program in February, allocating 35 million euros for improved lighting in various areas of the capital. Priority areas include the arcades of Piazza dei Cinquecento and the streets surrounding Termini Station.
Specific investments under this plan include:
- Piazza dei Cinquecento/Via Cavour (arcade side): 161,000 euros
- Viale Pretoriano: 284,000 euros
- Piazza dell’Indipendenza: 210,000 euros
- Via Amendola, Via Principe Amedeo, and Via Gioberti: Additional lighting improvements
These initiatives aim to address critical points where inadequate lighting contributes to a sense of insecurity among residents and visitors.
Previous Incidents and Community Activism
The current situation in Esquilino follows other recent reports of urban decay and security issues. Earlier this month, a police blitz at the Esquilino market led to the arrest of four drug dealers and the seizure of 500 kilograms of fish. Additionally, residents organized a sit-in in Piazza Vittorio, protesting the use of the square as a dormitory and expressing their fear of going out after dark.
Call for Action and Continued Monitoring
As the Esquilino district grapples with these multifaceted challenges, residents continue to call for immediate and effective solutions from both Areti S.p.A. and the municipal authorities. The ongoing darkness not only impacts daily life but also undermines efforts to enhance safety and quality of life in one of Rome’s most historic and diverse neighborhoods.
The community awaits prompt action to restore street lighting and ensure that the promised investments in urban infrastructure translate into tangible improvements for the residents of Esquilino.
Source: roma.corriere.it
