This policy was announced by the councillor for social policies in the Calabria region, Tilde Minasi, during a meeting called on Friday (August 12) by Reggio Calabria prefect Massimo Mariani.

Also present were representatives from the major Italian trade unions CGIL, CISL and UIL, Gioia Tauro mayor Aldo Alessio, and representatives from the municipalities concerned, Rosarno and San Ferdinando.

The goal of the event was to illustrate initiatives underway to ensure that migrant workers employed in Piana di Gioia Tauro have access to suitable housing. Many migrant workers in the region face poor housing conditions, living in tents and shacks in makeshift camps.

Sustainable housing for migrants

Minasi said that the regional town council with the support of Governor Roberto Occhiuto had decided to allocate €10 million "to pay for the rehabilitation of the former industrial complex 'Eranova' in Gioia Tauro and the creation of an environmentally sustainable 'village' that can host seasonal workers."

Piana di Gioia Tauro hosts a significant number of migrant workers who are employed in citrus groves and the port area.

Councillor Minasi said that the plan was to create "housing modules with photovoltaic plants and autonomous heating, flanked by other facilities for shared spaces and services as well as police and town council offices."

A home for 100 people

Emilio Buda, a member of the special commission of Rosarno, illustrated a plan for the creation of a 'Solidarity Village' with collective housing for residents, divided into four housing modules that can house about 100 people.

Among the services provided will be a service center "to enable workers to interface with offices for immigration procedures and municipal ones", according to prefect Massimo Mariani.