Water is back on the government agenda. The only public service submitted to a referendum years ago, in the intentions of the Lega and Cinque stelle, must be reorganized. As? With the creation of new service companies locally. This is written in black and white, in point two of the government contract that Giuseppe Conte will try to implement. A strong commitment, one that makes you think, for how the water service is set up. For supply problems and seasonal suffering in many parts of the peninsula. The territorial organization is complex and although the 2011 referendum may stimulate neoliberal ideas today with an increase in local powers and seats, it is not said that things will improve.
Standard & Poor's Global Ratings recently reviewed the system and produced a report pointing the finger at fragmentation and local political interference. Di Maio and Salvini may not have read it, but the international agency, which also keeps Italy under observation for the rating, does not discount the organization of such a strategic service. Local political influences are considered factors that can compromise the effectiveness of the provisions of Arera, the tariff and management regulatory authority. For S&P, Arera is doing well and is absolved of many criticisms in the report. The environmental aspects, strictly understood, do not belong to the Authority, but the quality of the water, the maintenance of the networks, money invested, yes, with an impact on the supply tariffs. The regulatory system allows operators to have the certainty of the recovery of capital and management costs, precisely with the periodic review of bills. Undermining this balance, the report concludes, is the possibility that political instability around water management translates into managerial problems, especially for those already existing local companies.
The document does not go into detail on the organization of the optimal management areas, the delay in new concession assignments, the territorial tenders to be carried out. They are other chapters no less important for a primary good. The point remains as to how Lega and Cinque stelle intend to create new companies in the area. With what resources do they plan to capitalize them, to equip them for a reorganization plan that calls for substantial investments. In other words, if Standard & Poor's says that thanks to the Regulatory Authority the system is now in balance and Cresme of Milan estimates a recovery plan from Veneto to Sicily worth 25 billion euros, is it really necessary to venture into the creation of other local utilities? Wouldn't it be better to find the money and start with the modernization of the pipelines, starting with the leaks? Finally organize a serious discussion table between operators, users, Authorities, Regions to create efficiency and produce an organic reform? Unless on the water Di Maio and his people want to try again with systems of direct democracy, referendums, which would not produce any progress. A bitter déjà-vu.
