Baran says no flood protection projects are underway in İskeçe

Greek MP Burhan Baran has raised concerns over the lack of flood protection projects in the Regional Unit of İskeçe (Xanthi), saying a response from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport confirms that no such project is currently being implemented or included in the programme of the ministry’s Directorate D19.

In a statement published on September 15, Baran said the ministry’s response came following a parliamentary question he submitted regarding flood and fire prevention measures in the area.

According to Baran, the ministry confirmed that no flood protection project in the Regional Unit of İskeçe is either under implementation or included in the planning of the relevant Directorate D19.

Baran questions responsibility for flood and fire prevention
Baran also said the ministry’s response indicated that the cleaning of streams, the creation of firebreaks and other related measures do not fall within the responsibilities of the specific directorate.

The MP argued that the division of responsibilities between public authorities should not result in delays in implementing preventive measures.

“The protection of İskeçe from floods and fires cannot be lost in a maze of responsibilities and turned into ‘someone else’s responsibility,’” Baran said in his statement.

He called for planning, funding and coordination to address known risks, stressing that preventive measures should be implemented before disasters occur.

Call for concrete measures and timeline
Baran said İskeçe needs specific interventions and a clear timetable, while calling for an end to what he described as referrals from one public service to another.

As a member of parliament representing İskeçe, Baran said he would continue seeking specific answers and highlighting delays concerning public safety.

The MP concluded by stating that İskeçe should not be treated as a “second-class area” and that prevention is a responsibility of the state.