Gori’s Legal Actions Face Public Water Committee Opposition

The recent actions of Gori spa, a private water company, have prompted a strong response from the ex-ATO3 Civic Network’s committees, who are vehemently challenging the legality and fairness of the company’s practices. A press conference held at the “Tutta n’ata Storia” shop detailed plans for legal action to protect citizens’ rights. Central to their concerns is the issuance of roughly two thousand payment orders since January to delinquent customers in the Agro Nocerino-Sarnese area, with some residents already receiving multiple notices. This coercive debt collection, they argue, is enabled by a 2016 ministerial decree allowing Gori to pursue legal action without judicial oversight, a power typically reserved for public entities.

Ida Dello Ioio, spokesperson for the Nocera Inferiore Public Water Committee, highlighted the potential for asset seizures if payments aren’t made, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to providing legal support through a collective action. Valentina Gambardella, a fellow committee member, challenged the decree’s legitimacy, stating that empowering a private company with such powers is unlawful and that Gori’s authorization extends beyond justifiable limits, encompassing all debts rather than only those with public significance. This illegality will be contested through legal channels. Beyond individual legal aid, the committee, along with participating mayors, aims to overturn the enabling decree through administrative action.

Furthermore, the committees criticized Gori’s school-based events promoting water conservation and environmental sustainability, alleging that these initiatives are primarily promotional exercises using giveaways like hats and other merchandise to subtly advertise the company. The next significant step is a March 9th meeting of the Sarnese Vesuviano District Council, where past due accounts and the contentious payment orders will be discussed.