Charles-Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Council, traveled to the Roya to assess the situation in the valley after the passage of storm Alex.
More than four months after the severe weather that affected the Roya valley, Charles-Ange Ginésy visited the area to see the progress of the work in the hinterland of Nice. The president of the Departmental Council was notably accompanied by Xavier Pelletier, the delegate prefect in charge of the reconstruction of the valleys, and Alexandra Valetta-Ardisson and Eric Ciotti, deputies of Alpes-Maritimes.
Initially, the officials participated in the inauguration of the Veil Bailey bridge, in Breil-sur-Roya. “It is a great joy to inaugurate this bridge, which will allow 25 families cut off from the world to be reconnected,” explained Sébastien Olharan, mayor of the village. “It is more than an inauguration, it is a first step. We continue with the goal of restoring all the bridges of the commune before the summer. It will take time, but we will be able to recover and offer a bright future to Breil.”
An enthusiasm shared by Charles-Ange Ginésy, president of the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Council: “It is a big day for the Roya. Nearly 4 months after the disaster, the progress in the valleys is colossal. I am determined. I have learned to love this territory, and we will not abandon the Roya valley. There is reconstruction to be done to create something good, beautiful, and great.”
An important plan on the moral front
Then, the officials visited two temporary bridges under construction south of Fontan, in the commune of Saorge. To conclude, the group gathered at the Fontan town hall to discuss the schedule of future works. Many projects are underway. The first objective is to ensure, by mid-July, free movement between the Italian border and Breil. This fall, convoys in the Paganin gorges should be eliminated. Other large-scale operations are expected to be carried out in 2022.
The announcement of this schedule was met with great relief by the locals, as expressed by Philippe Oudot, mayor of Fontan: “You have given us a schedule, which is what we were waiting for. You spoke of modernization, and I am pleased because it is important to talk about modernity in the valley.” “It is a very important day,” Brigitte Bresc, mayor of Saorge, added. “This calendar is a very good thing. It will allow the population to wait more calmly.”
The situation is finally well summarized by Charles-Ange Ginésy: “We are delighted, because it is a turning point. Beyond the reconstruction of equipment, infrastructure, or buildings, there is the psychological effect. We are giving a positive sign, with realities. It is a fresh breeze over the Roya valley. We will keep our commitments for the complete reconstruction of the valley’s infrastructure.” The reconstruction will be long and difficult, but it has indeed begun!
