Minister Announces September Housing Deliveries in Hatay
Hatay and İskenderun recently welcomed Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum, who announced that 12,259 new homes will be delivered in Hatay in September. In a series of engagements that included site visits and discussions with residents, Kurum provided updates on several key projects, including revamping the banks of the Asi River and accelerating developments along the İskenderun coastline.
Minister Kurum began his visit by inspecting the TOKİ disaster housing area in İskenderun’s Cebike District. Engaging with locals during a walk along the İskenderun coastline, he gathered feedback before addressing the press. Emphasizing the preservation of Hatay’s demographic structure, Kurum stated, “Citizens who have lived in these neighborhoods for years will continue to do so, maintaining the cultural and social fabric of this historic city.”
“Kurum emphasized the relocation of residents from demolished homes near the Asi River to nearby areas, ensuring their continued enjoyment of the natural beauty. The region will be revitalized with parks, bike paths, and walking trails. Kurum asserted, “We aim for the Hatay city center east of the Asi River, home to historical and cultural heritage, to once again be accessible to our citizens. Streets and neighborhoods devastated by the earthquake will be restored to their former historical character.”
The Minister outlined plans for restoring important historical areas within Hatay’s city center, including the Historic Uzun Bazaar and Kemalpaşa Avenue, ensuring the revival of both registered and unregistered historic structures.
Kurum also addressed the 80-centimeter subsidence along the İskenderun coastline caused by the earthquake. “While our Ministry of Transport has secured the seabed, we will develop a project that brings residents closer to the sea and highlights İskenderun’s beauty,” he said. “This project will safeguard the coastline, uncover historic structures, and preserve natural beauty, allowing Hatay’s residents to benefit and ensuring safety between the city and the coast.”
The minister revealed that the nationwide reconstruction efforts in 11 provinces affected by the February 6 earthquakes are ongoing, with 296,755 housing units under construction. Of these, 76,000 have been completed, and a further 24,000 will be handed over in September, raising the total to 100,000. Specifically, in Hatay, 11,366 homes have already been delivered. “With the addition of 12,259 new homes in September, the total will reach 23,625,” Kurum stated. “In areas such as Antakya, Defne, İskenderun, Altınözü, Kırıkhan, Reyhanlı, and Samandağ, 152,486 new homes and workplaces are nearing completion.”
Minister Kurum pledged unwavering dedication to making cities in Turkey resilient to disasters. “We will remain here until every family in the earthquake zone smiles again, and every unhealthy structure in our country is rebuilt. Every month, we will revisit the disaster areas. Our teams, MPs, and mayors will continue to work tirelessly to fulfill our commitments to the people,” the minister affirmed.
Governor Mustafa Masatlı, Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mehmet Öntürk, and several MPs accompanied Minister Kurum during his visit.