en.Wedoany.com Reported - Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Monday that she hopes a long-delayed bridge project over the Strait of Messina in Italy can be launched as soon as possible, noting that Japanese companies are involved in the project, showcasing bilateral cooperation.
The bridge, connecting the Sicilian city of Messina with mainland Italy, is 3.7 kilometers (about 2.3 miles) long and is led by the Eurolink consortium. The consortium includes Italy's largest construction group Webuild, Japan's IHI Corporation, and Spain's Sacyr.
The project has been stalled for years due to a series of issues, including criticism that the bridge could harm the environment and pose risks in this earthquake-prone region. In 2012, the project was halted under government austerity measures, prompting the consortium to demand €700 million (about $811 million) in compensation, a claim that would only be withdrawn if construction resumes.
During a visit to Rome, Takaichi stated: "I sincerely hope that this Messina Strait Bridge construction project, with Japanese companies involved, will become a landmark project symbolizing economic cooperation between our two countries." She made the remarks at the 17th-century Villa Doria Pamphili after meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The two leaders are set to jointly attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France.
Takaichi added: "I also hope that Japan's expertise and experience can contribute to its early realization." Meloni's government believes that improving road and rail connections is crucial for boosting economic growth in Italy's less developed south. Currently, Sicily is connected to the mainland by ferries that transport vehicles and trains.
However, the bridge project—valued at approximately €13.5 billion—is unlikely to break ground soon. Italy's Court of Auditors last year refused to approve the project, citing doubts about its compliance with European Union competition rules and noting that the original 2005 tender price was only €3.8 billion. Additionally, prosecutors in Rome said last week they have launched a corruption investigation into the bridge project, casting a new shadow over the government's efforts to push it forward.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
