Rome Courthouse Suffers Air Conditioning Failure After PNRR Renovations
Rome, June 2 – The Rome Courthouse, specifically Building C, is facing significant operational disruptions as its newly renovated air conditioning system, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), has failed to function. This issue has led to prosecutors and other judicial staff being forced to abandon their workstations due to unbearable heat, despite an investment of nearly 9 million euros.
A recent internal circular sent to the secretariats of offices and inquiring magistrates revealed the dire situation: ‘Despite the replacement of old systems (…) the situation has worsened.’ This statement has been met with incredulity and dismay among public prosecutors and employees, with one senior official, who has worked at Piazzale Clodio for years, describing the situation as ‘surreal.’
Millions Spent, Worsened Conditions
To date, 8,568,000 euros from PNRR funds have been allocated to the renovation of the judicial complex in Piazzale Clodio. However, the outcome has been a step backward, with the air conditioning system proving less effective than before the upgrades. The problem stems from the new circulation pumps, which after installation and the completion of the secondary system’s load, revealed a low water flow and pressure issues. This has caused severe delays in activating the central cooling system.
The internal communication further noted that ‘in an extreme case, if necessary, an additional pump must be installed,’ implying further unplanned expenditures to resolve the current predicament.
Delayed Works and Impact on Staff
Building C houses the prosecutor, deputy prosecutors, and the majority of substitute prosecutors. Many of them are now compelled to leave their posts in the early afternoon to avoid heatstroke. The renovation works, which began in 2023, were originally scheduled for completion by December 2025. However, this deadline has now been dismissed, and precise forecasts for completion are currently unavailable.
Broader Issues in the Judicial City
This incident is not an isolated one for the Judicial City. Previous reports have highlighted issues such as flooding, rodent infestations, and evacuated rooms, with an estimated waste of 16 million euros on various projects. The ongoing problems underscore broader challenges in the management and execution of infrastructure projects within the judicial system.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
There has been no official statement from the PNRR authorities or the Ministry of Justice regarding the air conditioning malfunction. The focus remains on finding an immediate solution to restore comfortable working conditions for the judicial staff. The situation at the Rome Courthouse raises questions about oversight and accountability in the use of public funds for critical infrastructure projects.
As the summer months approach, the urgency to resolve the air conditioning issue intensifies. Without a functional cooling system, the productivity and well-being of the legal professionals in Building C will continue to be severely compromised.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_giugno_02/tribunale-di-roma-dopo-i-lavori-con-i-fondi-del-pnrr-i-condizionatori-non-funzionano-i-procuratori-devono-lasciare-le-postazioni-01151896-83a6-4cfa-a394-aefe41d74xlk.shtml
