Rome, April 17 – The situation in the village of Isola Farnese, a suburb of Rome, remains critical following a series of landslides that have isolated its 160 inhabitants, including 93-year-old director Tinto Brass. Despite recent interventions, including a municipal ordinance allowing for partial road reopenings, local opposition is calling for more definitive and structural measures.
Isola Farnese Isolated by Landslides: A Chronology of Events
The first landslides occurred on January 8, followed by another on January 29, after heavy rainstorms. The main access road to the picturesque village, nestled within the Veio Park, was blocked by earth and stones, effectively trapping residents. This led to widespread frustration and calls for urgent action from the authorities.
Partial Reopenings Deemed Insufficient
Initial interventions included the installation of a pedestrian staircase. More recently, a municipal ordinance has allowed for a partial, temporary, and controlled reopening of the road section between civic numbers 175 and 190. This measure is supported by a monitoring system designed to restrict or prohibit transit during alert states, ensuring public safety.
However, Stefano Peschiaroli and Giuseppe Mocci, Forza Italia councillors in the XV municipality, argue that these measures are inadequate. “The decision follows a note from the Department of Infrastructure and Public Works of Roma Capitale, which highlights that technical activities related to the design of a passive rockfall barrier tunnel are in the completion phase, to be built at a later stage if necessary,” they stated.
The councillors emphasized, “It is positive that transit is allowed not only for residents of the Borgo di Isola Farnese but also for customers and users of commercial, artisanal, and accommodation activities in the area, thus supporting the economic and social life of the territory. However, the temporary nature of the measure is evident: structural interventions are necessary for the definitive safety of the slope, to eliminate any risk of further collapses.”
Calls for Structural Interventions and Financial Support
Forza Italia has put forward several proposals to address the ongoing crisis. These include compensation for all commercial activities in the village, a comprehensive study of the territory to identify an alternative road route to Via dell’Isola Farnese (currently the sole access to the historic village), and the implementation of extraordinary funds and significant structural allocations to definitively tackle the hydrogeological instability.
The Plight of Residents, Including Tinto Brass
The isolation has taken a toll on residents. Director Tinto Brass, 93, has been effectively confined to his home for months. His wife, Caterina Vazzana, expressed her anger, stating, “He is 93 years old and cannot even go to the cardiologist: now we will file a complaint.” This highlights the severe impact of the blocked access on the daily lives and well-being of the villagers.
Future Outlook and Local Government Response
The XV Municipality opposition continues to press for definitive solutions, emphasizing that the current partial reopenings are merely temporary fixes. They urge Mayor Gualtieri to expedite procedures for the restoration of Via dell’Isola Farnese, nearly four months after its interruption.
The situation in Isola Farnese underscores the broader challenges faced by communities vulnerable to hydrogeological risks. The call for structural interventions and long-term planning aims to prevent future isolations and ensure the safety and accessibility of the historic village.
