Zeybek questions future of Karasu Irrigation Project, says key issues remain unanswered
New Left MP Hüseyin Zeybek has criticized the handling of the Karasu Irrigation Project, arguing that critical questions regarding the future of the major agricultural infrastructure investment remain unanswered.
The project, valued at approximately €220 million, aims to transport and distribute irrigation water from the Karasu River to agricultural areas across the İskeçe plain. It has been presented as a strategic initiative intended to strengthen agricultural production, improve water management and help the region adapt to increasing drought conditions linked to climate change.
Zeybek raised the issue in Parliament after the project was reportedly removed from the Recovery and Resilience Fund framework. While authorities described the move as a technical reallocation of resources, questions remain regarding the project’s future financing, implementation schedule and completion guarantees.
The opposition lawmaker called on the government to clarify why the project was removed from the funding mechanism, how much progress has been achieved so far, what alternative financing source will be used and whether a binding timetable exists for completion.
According to previous government announcements, the irrigation network is expected to support tens of thousands of hectares of agricultural land and play a crucial role in the long-term sustainability of farming in the region.
