B4-0382/94

Resolution on the cases of cholera in Southern Italy

The European Parliament,

A.concerned at the recent cases of cholera, albeit isolated, in the Italian region of Apulia,

B.whereas, according to the investigations carried out thus far, the new cases of cholera can be blamed on shortcomings in the sewer system and water purification plants and a lack of checks on imports from third countries,

C.having regard to the serious damage suffered by the fisheries and agri-foodstuffs sectors as a result of the widespread news coverage of the cholera outbreak,

1.Calls on the competent national and regional authorities to take the measures needed to deal with the causes of the spread of the disease and carry out comprehensive monitoring to prevent further speculation;

2.Calls on the Commission to recognize the crisis in the fisheries and agri-foodstuffs sector and to set up an appropriate solidarity fund;

3.Calls on the Commission to earmark Structural Fund resources intended for the regions in which there are actual or potential risks to health as a matter of priority, to water treatment measures and improvements to sewer systems;

4.Urges the Italian Government and the competent authorities to launch an intensive health information and education campaign aimed at all citizens with a view to calming public fears as to the risks involved and ensuring that consumers receive accurate information;

5.Condemns the continuing lax attitudes towards illegal building which are exacerbating the problem of the failure to carry out work on the sewer system and, hence, increasing the risk to public health;

6.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the Italian authorities.