The Rome city council has announced plans to spend 320 million on its antiquated water mains. In particular, the pipes and infrastructure supplying water to areas on the outskirts will be completely renovated. The city mayor, Walter Vetroni, hopes the four-year programme of modernisation will bring the quality of the water supply up to scratch in many spontaneous settlements that have sprung up in various parts of town on the back of lazily enforced building regulations. Some 100,000 Romans will benefit through regular supplies of drinking water and vastly improved drainage. The complete package translates into a substantial improvement in health and hygiene standards in the areas concerned.