Rodop MP Özgür Ferhat: "Fire and flood prevention projects must be implemented urgently"
In a statement made on social media, Ferhat emphasized that, as climate change worsens, natural disasters such as fires and floods are becoming more frequent and intense, yet the government has failed to take effective preventive actions.
"GOVERNMENT'S PROJECTS ARE INSUFFICIENT AND DELAYED"
Ferhat pointed out that the measures taken by the New Democracy government in response to fires and floods are insufficient both in terms of budget and timing. He cited the example of the vegetation management project in the Yalimli-Beygirciler-Profitis Ilias mountainous area, for which only 421,503 euros were allocated, and the maintenance of forest roads in Şapçı-Durhasanlar-Baldıran and Ismaros, with a budget of just 19,400 euros. He stressed that it is impossible to prevent the major dangers facing the region with such limited resources.
Ferhat also noted that despite the 1 million euro budget allocated for the construction of log barriers in the Arabacıköy-Yassıköy-Susurköy forests, the project has yet to be implemented, stating that many of the government's promises remain only on paper.
"FIRE AND FLOOD PREVENTION PROJECTS MUST BE IMPLEMENTED URGENTLY"
Ferhat highlighted the importance of maintaining forest roads and creating firebreaks as the most effective measures for combating wildfires in the Rodop region. However, he criticized the ongoing efforts for being underfunded. He also pointed out that flood prevention projects in villages like Narlıköy and Susurköy are underfunded as well.
The MP outlined ongoing and pending projects as follows:
ONGOING PROJECTS:
Vegetation management project in the Yalimli-Beygirciler-Profitis Ilias mountain basin: Budget: 421,503.33 euros
Maintenance and improvement of forest roads in Şapçı-Durhasanlar-Baldıran and Ismaros: Budget: 19,400 euros
PENDING PROJECTS:
Construction of log barriers in the Arabacıköy-Yassıköy-Narlıköy-Susurköy forests: Budget: 1 million euros
Flood prevention barriers in Narlıköy: Budget: 180,000 euros
Flood prevention barriers in Susurköy-Kozlardere: Budget: 300,000 euros
Concluding his remarks, Ferhat vowed to continue advocating for more effective and comprehensive projects to protect the region from fires and floods. "The safety of the Rodop region and the protection of its natural resources is the responsibility of us all. Let us work together to safeguard our region," he urged.