Navigli Residents Voice Frustration Over Summer Flooding Damage and Lack of Municipal Support

The water has receded from the Navigli district, but the frustration remains high among residents who watched the Naviglio Grande overflow its banks last Tuesday, flooding basements and ground-floor apartments along Via Ascanio Sforza and into the surrounding neighbourhood.

Maria Rossi, who runs a small café near Ponte delle Gabelle, said the cleanup has been exhausting. "The water came up so fast—we lost stock worth nearly €8,000," she said, gesturing toward boxes of damaged inventory still stacked outside her premises. "But what's worse is the silence from the municipality. We filed damage reports five days ago and haven't heard anything."

The overflow, caused by heavy rainfall combined with aging canal infrastructure, affected an estimated 47 residential properties and 23 commercial spaces across the Navigli area. While the Comune di Milano issued a preliminary statement acknowledging the incident, residents say meaningful action has been slow.

Andrea Benedetti, coordinator of the Navigli Residents' Association, has become an unofficial spokesman for affected families. "People want to know: what's the timeline for repairs to the canal barriers? Will the city cover uninsured losses? These are legitimate questions," he said during a gathering at Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie last Thursday, where roughly 60 locals convened to discuss their concerns.

The Navigli district, known for its Renaissance-era canals and vibrant cultural scene, has weathered similar incidents before. However, residents point out that investment in preventative infrastructure has lagged while property values—and living costs—have climbed. Average rents in the area have risen 12 percent over three years, according to local estate agents, placing pressure on long-term residents already stretched thin.

"This isn't just about one bad day," said Benedetti. "It's about a neighbourhood that's changing rapidly, and the municipality needs to show it's invested in protecting both heritage and people."

The Assessorato ai Lavori Pubblici has scheduled a public consultation for July 15 at the Biblioteca Comunale Centrale on Via Moscova. Officials have promised updates on canal maintenance protocols, though residents remain cautiously skeptical about concrete timelines.

For now, families continue mopping floors and airing damaged belongings, waiting to hear whether the city will step up with the support they're demanding.

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