Naples promised a rubbish-free New Year

The Italian government has promised the people of Naples they will be able to enjoy a clean New Year.

Napolitans have had to endure a chronic garbage crisis for over two years, with piles of rubbish festering in the streets.

The pledge comes from Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who has failed in previous attempts to resolve the issue.

Residents say the problem is particularly dangerous on New Year’s Eve, when the local tradition of setting off home-made fireworks threatens to set thousands of tonnes of refuse ablaze.

Troops have been called in to help clear the streets, while firefighters have been spraying water over rubbish bags to make them less flammable.

While the government says it will clear the streets within a fortnight, it admits it hasn’t found a structural solution.

The problem stems from ineffective waste management, disputes between local authorities and the influence of organised crime.

The European Commission has said Italy faces fines if it does not provide a long-term waste disposal plan.

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