Özgür Ferhat's inquiries on water issues receive responses from relevant ministries
Ferhat has shared the responses from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, and the Ministry of Interior with the public.
According to the statements from the relevant ministries, the Yassıköy – Narlıköy and Yassıhöyük (İasio) Dam projects have faced delays due to environmental concerns and bureaucratic obstacles, despite years of planning.
Ferhat highlighted that farmers in the Rodop region continue to face severe issues related to water scarcity and the irrigation of fertile agricultural land. He has proposed necessary projects to the relevant ministries to address these issues.
The press office of Özgür Ferhat released the following statement:
ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIONS HALT PROJECTS
“The environmental licensing process for the Yassıköy – Narlıköy Dam has been suspended due to objections from local environmental organizations, preventing the acquisition of necessary permits. The ministries have stated that authorized institutions need to continue their work to complete these projects. However, this indicates that no concrete progress has been made in resolving the region's water scarcity.
The project is now under the responsibility of the Department of Agricultural Infrastructure and Technical Works, which has been transferred to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure as of Decision No. 77 dated June 27, 2023. The project will continue under this ministry.
YASSIHÖYÜK DAM’S WATER PUMPING AND DISTRIBUTION NETWORK PROJECT IS ADVANCING, BUT INSUFFICIENT
Although the construction of the Yassıhöyük Dam has been completed and the initial filling of water has been carried out, the infrastructure projects for irrigating agricultural lands have not yet been fully operational.
The planned projects include a pipeline network to irrigate 21,550 acres and the construction of four irrigation pump stations, but these are still in the process of obtaining environmental permits.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE WAITING FOR EU FUNDS DUE TO INSUFFICIENT BUDGET
The Ministry of Agriculture is turning to European Union funds due to limited national resources. Projects with a total budget of 350 million euros will be proposed to address water scarcity.
MP Ferhat emphasized that these projects could provide a quick solution to the region's urgent water issues. He stressed the importance of local governments in utilizing the allocated funds and preparing necessary projects.
Under the Eastern Macedonia – Thrace Program (2021-2027), the Ministry of Environment and Energy plans to finance the following projects with a total budget of 47 million euros:
Construction of new drinking water transport lines and strengthening existing lines.
Replacement of old pipes.
Construction and improvement of new drinking water storage and distribution infrastructure.
Establishment of drinking water treatment facilities.
Ferhat highlighted that life cannot exist without water and emphasized that people cannot live without it.
He pointed out that his efforts have secured a 2 million euro investment for Kozlukebir Municipality.
He also addressed the need for projects related to water storage, such as agricultural irrigation ponds and artificial lakes, stressing their urgency and importance for regional farmers.
According to Ferhat's research, the cost of each project is approximately 300,000 euros, which can be covered by the mentioned funds to prevent drought issues and prepare for the ongoing climate crisis. He assured that he will continue to monitor these crucial issues politically until the necessary structures are provided to the public.
Ferhat concluded that, based on the comprehensive report covering the entire Rodop province and encompassing multiple projects, his aim is to provide a permanent solution to the water and drought problem and that proposals and suggestions will be sent to the relevant ministries by the end of summer 2024.
