Few customers, many closed shutters, and increasingly quiet aisles. The crisis in Oristano's markets is now evident, and by mid-morning it takes the form of a handful of people shopping among empty stalls and businesses that have gradually closed. Now, the awarding of the Via Costa contract has rekindled hope, but without erasing the mistrust that has built up after years of waiting and promises.
In Via Cimarosa
What was supposed to be the temporary market still has four fruit and vegetable stalls, a butcher's shop, and two fishmongers. Some aren't even open every day. The last one, in order
over time, it was the baker who threw in the towel.
And it is precisely from here, where the workers transferred from Via Mazzini arrived in 2016 to allow for the redevelopment of the structure, that a new phase is expected to begin. Once the work on Via Costa is completed, estimated to take 120 days, the seven remaining traders are expected to move into the structure where four colleagues currently work.

But after ten years of waiting, caution is warranted. "After so many announcements, we're no longer confident," says Mauro Massa, a greengrocer. "At this point, for me, it doesn't matter much because I'll be retiring in a year. The markets are now in decline; there's no longer the momentum they once had."
Some people, however, continue to take care of their space, almost as if to protect it from the progressive emptying. This is the case of Lucia Diana, an employee at the "Fashion" fruit and vegetable stand. "We're losing hope; we've been waiting a long time," she says. "We try to welcome customers with a smile and keep the stand tidy, but without the necessary support, it becomes difficult." She's in favor of the move, however: "Welcome. Customers don't come in here anymore; it's become a desolation."
The doubts
The move is divisive among customers. Agostino Bellu, a regular on Via Cimarosa, is ready to follow his trusted greengrocer, even if the new location will be less convenient. "The ideal would be to return to Via Mazzini," he observes, "But who knows if I'll ever see it completed." Rimedia Cominu, however, has already made up his mind: "I absolutely won't go there; it's too inconvenient for me. I come here, even though it's sad now, but I would love to see the old market again."
On Costa Street
Even here, the announcement of the start of construction is being greeted with caution. "We've heard it too many times," says Andrea Contini. "Let's hope it's not yet another hoax. The exterior needs a good overhaul, too."

Regarding the arrival of Cimarosa's colleagues, however, openness prevails: "They're welcome. Even though there will be more competition, we're happy." Sandro Camedda, from his fishmonger's stall, echoes the sentiment. "My concern is the construction site; we hope to be able to continue working during the construction phase. We certainly can't afford a four-month shutdown." Regarding current conditions, he adds: "If it hadn't been neglected for so long, it wouldn't be in this state today. The arrival of the new operators is absolutely welcome."

The historic structure on Via Mazzini is a separate chapter. In July, the design hurdle related to the Superintendency's requests was overcome, with the need to preserve the building's historic elements, starting with the vaulted ceiling, which in the initial proposal would have been largely eliminated. The Municipality now aims to issue a tender by the end of the year and secure the contract.
"Much will depend on Cassa Depositi Prestiti, from which we are requesting a loan of two and a half million to complete the work," explains Public Works Councilor Gianfranco Licheri.
Marianna Guarna

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