Financial resource allocated to strengthen buildings in Istanbul against earthquakes insufficient

It reported that the ministry has allocated TL 800 thousand of resources to protect buildings in Istanbul against earthquake whereas it has allocated TL 96.8 million of budget for three national gardens, (millet bahçeleri) promised by President ERDOGAN during his election campaign.

The Ministry of Environment and Urbanization which has allocated more than 96 million 800 thousand TL budget for three national gardens located in Istanbul, has allocated only 800 thousand TL budget within the scope of earthquake strengthening studies in the city in 2021.

According to opposition media, a deputy (from opposition Party CHP) asked the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization whether public buildings had a disaster plan in case of possible earthquakes and what preparations were being made for a possible Istanbul earthquake. In response to the deputy’s questions, the Ministry revealed that only TL 800 thousand of resources were allocated for strengthening works in 2021.

121 TIMES MORE BUDGET FOR NATIONAL GARDENS

It was learned that the ministry, which had allocated only a budget of TL 800 thousand in order to prepare Istanbul for the earthquake, had allocated 121 times this budget for the “national gardens” (millet bahçesi)

According to the data of TOKI affiliated to the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, a contract of TL 33 million 970 thousand was signed in the Fatih district for the national garden, the construction of which began on September 23.