Mounting Concerns Over Public Housing Delivery

Saturnino di Ruscio, president of Erap Marche, the regional agency responsible for public housing, has initiated a comprehensive internal investigation into significant delays and potential mismanagement of funds allocated to various construction projects.Di Ruscio expressed deep concern over the allocation and tracking of public funds, stating:

We must contribute to the delivery of the houses to those who need it, or are we here to do anything else? Over the years, too many incentives have been spent and scattered… Funds of which traces have been lost, and this disturbs me.
Saturnino di Ruscio,President of Erap Marche

This statement underscores the urgency and gravity of the situation facing the agency.

Leadership Shake-Up and Scrutiny of Construction Sites

In response to the findings of preliminary internal analyses, di Ruscio has implemented significant changes in leadership positions within Erap Marche. This includes the appointment of Sauro Vitaletti as the new head of the Erap Presidium of Ancona, effective sence January. Further changes have been made, including new appointments for the director of maintenance and the head of construction sites, with engineers Baldassarri and Tamanti taking over these roles.

The primary focus of the investigation is to determine why certain construction sites, despite prior investments, continue to require additional funding without showing progress. Di Ruscio aims to uncover the reasons behind these stalled projects and assess whether negligence, errors, or potentially more serious issues are at play.

Ancona: A Focal Point of Investigation

Ancona, the regional capital, appears to be a key area of concern, with a high number of stalled housing projects. The situation in Ancona mirrors broader challenges in public housing growth across Italy. For example,a 2024 report by the National Association of Homebuilders (ANCE) indicated that approximately 15% of public housing projects nationwide are facing significant delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and funding issues.

The new management team’s initial assessment involved a thorough verification of the alignment between ongoing and planned construction projects and available resources. This review revealed discrepancies, with allocated funds exceeding available resources in some instances. Though, a meticulous review also uncovered previously unidentified residual funds that partially offset these deficits.

Potential Legal Action and Future Steps

Di Ruscio’s statements suggest a willingness to pursue all available avenues to address the identified issues, including potential reports to the competent authorities. The investigation aims to determine whether the management of construction sites has been conducted prudently and in accordance with regulations.

The outcome of this internal investigation could have significant implications for the future of public housing development in the Marche region and may serve as a catalyst for broader reforms in the management and oversight of public works projects.