The Governor of Kahramanmaraş, Mükerrem Ünlüer, stated that the demolition of heavily damaged buildings was ongoing in the epicenter of the earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023 in Kahramanmaraş. He also mentioned that they are working on rebuilding the city. He indicated that 7,491 buildings collapsed during the earthquake, with 4,500 of them being urgently demolished by public authorities and their debris removed. Additionally, approximately 35,500 buildings were identified as heavily damaged, and efforts have begun to remove them through the private sector. As of now, 93% of debris has been removed, and the remaining buildings either require specialized demolition or are pending legal proceedings.
Governor Ünlüer also highlighted ongoing efforts to address the housing shortage issue in Kahramanmaraş, with construction of new residential buildings both in new settlements and in place of demolished buildings. A new plan has been implemented for the city center, where buildings within designated reserve areas will be demolished, even if structurally sound. In this regard, 41,000 residential units are currently under construction in reserve areas, with 18,000 units already distributed to rightful owners through a lottery system. The Governor also emphasized the importance of urban design and transformation, whereby buildings are tailored to fit the aesthetics and the geographical conditions of the area, leading to the demolition of a few structures to align with the new design.
In regards to the demolition of buildings located in reserve areas, Governor Ünlüer assured that property rights of residents in structurally sound buildings will be protected. For individuals subject to demolition, the government offers options such as compensation through expropriation or providing equivalent housing in reserve areas. Residents are given the choice in such cases, ensuring no grievances and a seamless process. The primary goal is to address citizens’ problems, enhance the resilience of the city, and construct more secure and sturdy urban spaces. The aim is to create safer and more durable cities for the local population.
Governor Ünlüer expressed the intention to make the city more resilient through ongoing endeavors. Currently, in Kahramanmaraş and its surrounding regions, 21,000 independent units are planned for urban development. Construction is underway for 10,000 units, with some nearing completion of finishing touches and others undergoing ground improvement. It is projected that within 1-1.5 years, all 21,000 units will be finished, leading to a complete revitalization of the city center. The goal is to completely redesign and renew the cityscape, ensuring that it becomes more resilient and safe for all residents. The development plans aim to address the shortcomings of the past and create a modern and sustainable urban environment.
Overall, the reconstruction efforts in Kahramanmaraş are aimed at not only addressing the aftermath of the recent earthquakes but also at creating a city that is more resilient and secure for its residents. Through a combination of demolition, construction, and urban planning initiatives, the Governor and local authorities are working diligently to rebuild the city and provide safe and stable housing solutions for those affected by the disasters. The commitment to protecting the rights of residents, providing options for those affected by demolitions, and ensuring a smooth process reflects the government’s dedication to resolving issues and creating a better living environment for the people of Kahramanmaraş.
