Water is scarce in the Campi Flegrei, the citizens of Pozzuoli block the port.

Residents of Pozzuoli, near Naples, have blocked the port of Campi Flegrei over a severe water crisis, demanding urgent action from authorities. The protest, which began with hundreds of demonstrators marching through the town, has grown to include nearly a thousand participants. They reached the port area, bypassing police barriers and occupying the main dockside. The demonstration reflects growing frustration among locals facing prolonged shortages of clean water. The protest started with a march from piazza della Repubblica, where citizens gathered under hot weather conditions, some suffering from heat-related illnesses. Demonstrators carried signs reading “fate presto” and “non siamo abusivi,” while chanting slogans such as “Pozzuoli” and “vergogna.” Their demands include improved safety measures, stable housing, and reliable access to essential services, particularly water supply. Among the protesters were elderly individuals, families with children, and disabled persons using wheelchairs, all vulnerable to the effects of extreme temperatures. Authorities have deployed police forces to monitor the situation, though there have been no reports of violence or clashes. The leaders of the protest maintain strict control over the group to prevent incidents, emphasizing the peaceful yet determined nature of their occupation. Protesters insist they seek immediate guarantees regarding the restoration of water supplies and support for displaced residents. They have confirmed plans to keep the blockade active until they can meet with Minister of Interior Matteo Piantedosi, who is scheduled to visit Naples the following day. The water shortage in the region has intensified concerns among residents, many of whom rely on local wells and reservoirs that have become unreliable due to ongoing drought conditions. Local officials have acknowledged the severity of the issue but have not yet announced specific measures to address the crisis. Some community members believe that the lack of government intervention has worsened the situation, leading them to take direct action to draw attention to their plight. The protest highlights broader challenges faced by communities in southern Italy, where climate change and inadequate infrastructure have contributed to recurring crises. In recent months, similar demonstrations have occurred in other coastal towns, where residents have raised alarms over declining water levels and failing municipal systems. While some local authorities have pledged to improve service delivery, critics argue that these promises remain unfulfilled, leaving residents to fend for themselves. As the standoff continues, the presence of the demonstrators at the port underscores the depth of public dissatisfaction. With the minister’s visit looming, the hope is that this moment will lead to tangible solutions. For now, the residents of Pozzuoli remain resolute, determined to ensure their voices are heard before the situation escalates further. The outcome of the meeting with Piantedosi could determine whether the crisis is addressed or if more protests are needed to secure relief.