In his written statement, Ergin said that unplanned construction causes environmental problems, traffic congestion and social problems, and that there are also problems with the lack of development plans and their lack of updating. Stating that "Turkey needs to focus on sustainable urbanization policies and more effective control mechanisms," Ergin said, "Zoning amnesties are an invitation to murder. "All buildings benefiting from the zoning amnesty should be assumed not to have received engineering services and should be subject to inspection." said.
Nazım Ergin evaluated the zoning amnesties made by the government and the buildings destroyed as a result of the earthquake. Emphasizing that damaged and collapsed buildings and zoning should be evaluated simultaneously, Ergin listed the problems and solution suggestions. Ergin emphasized that overcoming the problems is of vital importance for Turkey's future.
Civil Engineer Nazım Ergin, who drew attention to the zoning problem with his written statement, used the following statements in his statement:
“RAPID POPULATION GROWTH AND URBANIZATION PROCESS HAS MADE THE PROBLEM MORE COMPLEX”
“Turkey is a country famous for its historical richness, geographical diversity and natural beauties. However, in addition to these riches, one of the important problems that threaten our country is zoning problems and construction irregularity. The importance of zoning becomes even more evident, especially for Turkey, which frequently faces natural disasters such as earthquakes.
Unplanned construction refers to buildings constructed without official permits and regulations. Such structures are often uncontrolled, unplanned and can be dangerous. Unplanned construction is a problem frequently seen in both urban areas and rural areas. Turkey's rapid population growth and urbanization processes have made this problem even more complex.
“UNPLANNED SETTLEMENT MAY MAKE ACCESS TO SERVICES DIFFICULT”
Zoning problems in Turkey lead to a number of negative consequences. With the increased risk of earthquakes, Turkey is a country located in an active earthquake zone. Ignoring zoning plans and building standards may lead to increased loss of life and property in earthquakes.
Unplanned construction may cause environmental problems. Environmental problems such as destruction of green areas, destruction of water resources and loss of natural habitats may arise. Unplanned construction can also increase traffic problems. Narrowing of roads and inadequate transportation infrastructure may increase traffic congestion in cities. Unplanned construction may also bring about social problems. Access to education, health and other services may become difficult in unplanned settlements.
“ZONING AMNESSES ARE AN INVITATION TO MURDER”
Development plans aim to ensure the sustainable development of cities and regions. These plans regulate land use, determine the heights of buildings and plan infrastructure. However, there are also some problems with development plans in Turkey:
The construction amnesty issued by political governments in response to the current uncertainties and dangers regarding our building stock increases the threat of loss of life and property. Zoning amnesties appear as one of the most important incentives for illegal construction. Zoning amnesty makes it uncertain for the society to live in healthy and safe houses. Zoning amnesties are an invitation to murder. All structures benefiting from the zoning amnesty should be assumed not to have received engineering services and should be subject to inspection.
“OVERCOMING PROBLEMS IS VITALLY IMPORTANT FOR TURKEY'S FUTURE”
With the legalization of structures that we assume do not receive engineering services, in case these structures are damaged by natural events, the responsibility lies with the state and political power that made this decision. Giving a occupancy license to a building means that the state says to the citizen, 'You can live in this building.'
In Turkey, unplanned construction and zoning problems are important problems that can lead to serious consequences. More effective development plans and control mechanisms should be developed to reduce loss of life and property in natural disasters such as earthquakes. Additionally, sustainable urbanization policies should be encouraged to reduce the environmental, social and economic impacts of unplanned construction. Overcoming these problems is vital for Turkey's future.
