Officials in Italy’s southern Puglia region have confirmed they will continue plans to build accommodation for migrant workers in Brindisi, despite a fire that damaged the construction site in what authorities believe was an arson attack. Regional leaders say the incident will not stop efforts to improve living conditions for seasonal foreign workers.
Silvia Miglietta, Puglia’s Councillor for Migration Policies, visited the damaged site shortly after the fire. The facility is part of a housing project designed to accommodate migrant workers legally employed in the area. During her visit, Miglietta expressed solidarity with the local community and reassured residents that the regional government remains fully committed to completing the project.
The building complex, which includes two structures, was undergoing renovation and was originally scheduled to be completed by May. However, officials said the fire caused damage to both internal and external areas of the buildings, meaning construction timelines will now be delayed. Early estimates suggest the damage could cost around €300,000 to repair.
The project is funded through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, a major government programme aimed at rebuilding infrastructure and strengthening social services. Once completed, the centre is expected to house about 60 seasonal migrant workers, providing safe and legal accommodation and helping reduce the spread of informal and unsafe settlements in the area.
Miglietta said the investment sends a strong message that Puglia is serious about protecting migrant workers and tackling labour exploitation. She noted that projects like this often threaten those who profit from illegal labour practices and unregulated housing. According to her, the fire may have been an attempt to intimidate authorities and slow down progress.
She stressed that the region will not back down and will continue supporting actions aimed at ending illegal labour recruitment and exploitation, often linked to gangmastering networks. Miglietta added that a new protocol will soon be signed with the local prefecture to strengthen prevention measures across Brindisi, with the state attorney’s office also becoming involved for the first time.
Brindisi’s mayor, Giuseppe Marchionna, and Social Services Councillor Ercole Saponaro also visited the site. The mayor said the attack would not stop a project that represents dignity, safety, and progress for seasonal workers. He confirmed that the municipal administration has already requested additional funding to repair the damage and move faster toward closing illegal settlements in the area.
Marchionna also revealed that Italy’s special commissioner for immigration is expected to visit Brindisi next week. The visit will focus on assessing further financial support and possibly extending deadlines to ensure the migrant housing project is fully completed. Local authorities say the goal remains clear: to provide decent housing, uphold workers’ rights, and restore order to the local labour system.