It is true that wherever there is a construction site, there is also an elderly person nearby — with their hands behind their backs, an attentive look and, who knows, maybe even offering free technical advice. In Italy, this scene is so common that it has earned a name: “umarell”. In Villasanta, a city in Lombardia, this figure became an official part of public life.
The city, with around 14 inhabitants, recruited eight retirees to observe and report on everything that happens on the streets: from the progress of construction to the state of parks and sidewalks. The idea came from the city government itself, in response to the lack of personnel and the need for closer monitoring of urban structures.
The initiative, proposed by Mayor Lorenzo Galli, was so successful that the new inspectors, all men, went through a selection process. To apply, candidates had to be retired, have a university degree and previous experience in technical areas. The city government wanted much more than curious observers: it wanted trained eyes.
Despite not receiving a salary, “umarells” are registered as civic volunteers and have insurance coverage. The first mission is already underway: distributing questionnaires to residents to support a new urban restructuring plan.
According to the local administration, the project strengthens the connection between the population and the government. “Civic volunteering is a formula with multiple virtuous aspects: it helps the administration function in times of staff shortages, promotes participation and values citizens willing to contribute to the public good,” the city government told the newspaper. La Repubblica.
In Italy, the role of “umarells” is already culturally recognized. In Bologna, for example, there is even a square in their honor: Piazza degli Umarell. A humorous — and efficient — way of transforming a hobby into service to the community.
