The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Council, led by Vice President Nuri Aslan, convened at the municipal building in Saraçhane. During the council meeting, the General Assembly of ISKI (Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration) was also held. The assembly discussed a proposal regarding water sales and the fee for the disposal of used water.
The proposal called for an increase in water prices by 36 to 60 percent based on usage quantity. For residential properties, the current price of 23.72 Turkish Lira per cubic meter for consumption between 0-15 cubic meters would be increased to 32.28 TL with a 36 percent hike for the first tier. Similarly, the price for consumption between 16-30 cubic meters would go up to 49.17 TL with a 44 percent increase, and for consumption above 31 cubic meters, the price would be raised by 53 percent to 71.10 TL.
In commercial properties, the proposal suggested a change in tier rates for consumption between 0-40 cubic meters. The price for the first tier would be increased from 62.14 TL to 84.51 TL with a 36 percent hike. Prices for the second tier (16-50 cubic meters) and the newly added third tier (51-100 cubic meters) would also see increases of 44 percent and 53 percent, respectively. The price for consumption above 101 cubic meters would be raised by 60 percent to 114.99 TL.
During the council meeting, AK Party Council Member Adem Yıldız, who is also a member of the Tariff Commission, expressed opposition to the proposed water price increases. Yıldız stated that water is a basic human right, yet the proposed hikes of up to 53 percent for residential properties and 60 percent for commercial properties are not reasonable or acceptable for the people of Istanbul. The AK Party Group expressed their dissent by opposing proposals 11, 12, and 13.
The proposal for water price increases was ultimately approved by a majority vote in the council. The approved price adjustments will come into effect as of the date of approval. The decision to increase water prices sparked debate and controversy among council members and the public, with concerns raised about the impact of the hikes on households and businesses in Istanbul. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality will now move forward with implementing the approved changes to water tariffs, affecting residents and businesses in the city.
