Despite the pouring rain, the sit-in was not postponed. "With the water filling the enormous potholes, the deteriorated and dangerous condition of the road is even more visible. Immediate action is needed." The alarm was raised by the mayors of Paulilatino, Milis, and Bauladu. This morning, they called for a rally of ranchers, farmers, and ordinary citizens along Provincial Road 17, which passes through these three areas. Twelve kilometers of this green space lacks road markings and features deep ruts in the road surface, invasive vegetation, and degraded bridges. The demonstration was organized to demand that the Province immediately schedule the repair and maintenance of the road. The mayors first convened the City Council in their respective town halls and then immediately moved along the road, which hasn't been paved since 1996.
"We are here to ask the Province to resurface this road, which is essential in the event of traffic jams on the 131, but also for the farmers and ranchers whose businesses are located along the road," said Monica Ortu, mayor of Milis.
The mayor of Bauladu, Ignazio Zara, said: "This road is disgusting; you can't walk or drive on it, yet it's important for workers and for the environment."
Paulilatino Mayor Domenico Gallus: "We ask you to show respect for this road, which hasn't received maintenance for 25 years. The resources for its reconstruction were previously held by the Province, but were then lost because the project wasn't carried forward. Now, however, the Region has allocated additional funds, which is why we are here asking for action. We don't want a highway, but a passable stretch." Provincial President Paolo Pireddu arrived on site late this morning. "I wanted to be present personally because I believe it's essential to never shy away from discussions with the residents and the city councils, who are demanding attention and answers from the Province. Road 17, which I wasn't familiar with, is severely damaged. We have a duty to restore it to acceptable safety and passability. Our intention is to proceed gradually, prioritizing the interventions necessary to ensure the road's passability and safety, and then planning the additional work needed for its redevelopment in the coming years." A perspective shared by Vice President Claudio Pinna: "We have a major challenge ahead: to continue the programs already underway and, at the same time, to best manage the newly available resources, with the goal of providing concrete solutions to all areas and progressively improving the condition of the provincial road network."
