Current State of Infrastructure
Surveys from the reservoir area indicate that the region is in great need of new infrastructure and services. It was revealed in the survey that relatively few public services are accessible in these villages, except primary schools (74%) and electricity (90%). Few reported the existence of stores (23%), health units (16%), gendarmerie (military) stations (16%), and coffee shops (12%). Means of transportation to other locations included mostly regular minibus service (90%), taxis or privately-owned cars (46%) and boats (7%). Secondary infrastructure, such as roads and signage, were reported to be poor or non-existent.
The lack of water infrastructure, such as plumbing and drinking water, is a critical problem in rural areas. See the Health section of this website for more in-depth discussion of these effects. Additionally, because the the huge resettlement component of the project, the rapid increase in populations in certain areas will inevitably put a huge strain on the already inadequate infrastructure and services. |
Benefits Proposed by EIA
According to EIA report, resettlers will be relocated in groups from the same towns, and will be able to choose an urban or rural area.
If they choose urban, they will be given a house or an apartment. This may be beneficial, as there will be newly constructed homes, presumably with better infrastructure and plumbing than those in which the villagers previously resided. The rural resettlers will also be compensated with a new house, and new barns or livestock shelters, new farmland and new equipment. This is also a benefit to the resettled peoples. In addition to the new home and local water infrastructure, access roads, irrigation systems, electricity, health clinics, schools, parks, mosques, and other needed services or infrastructure will be constructed in the new villages. These are all are sorely needed as of now, and constructing them will benefit the population and lead to better living conditions. An added benefit of adding in this infrastructure is that it may increase tourism and traffic through the area. This could lead to different occupation choices for the locals, in addition to the greater economic diversity which could be found in a region with many different services. These benefits are all indicated to be long-term in nature. Additionally, with the new farms being designated, the government will add more land to be irrigated with proper infrastructure built. This is something that local farmers have been requesting for several years. This will benefit the population by increasing their food supply and goods to exchange. It is estimated that the output will be four times greater per year. |
The new construction projects and relocation efforts will disturb, on what is described as a temporary basis (no time frame is listed), some public services, such as school and health systems. Though, long-term, the report states that these disruptions will benefit from better infrastructure.
Additionally, mentioned in the report, is Turkey's previous experience with relocation programs and large construction projects. It is claimed that this experience will help improve implementation of the project, and minimize disruption to the residents.
Additionally, mentioned in the report, is Turkey's previous experience with relocation programs and large construction projects. It is claimed that this experience will help improve implementation of the project, and minimize disruption to the residents.
Critique of Proposed Benefits
There are numerous issues with the portions of the report regarding the infrastructure related to the project.
Firstly, it is unclear exactly how many, where, and what the capacity of the new infrastructure will be. It is not mentioned how many schools or hospitals will be built, for example, or if they are built, how many people they will be able to serve. Additionally, specific costs are not outlined in each instance, and so it is unclear if these are promises that will actually be implemented, or if they will be unable to get off the ground due to monetary constraints. Critically, missing from the report are the costs to maintain each type of new infrastructure. This is an aspect of the project that is highly important to the continued usefulness and usability of each new construction project--the infrastructure will be useless, or worse if it is allowed to fall into severe disrepair. |
Additionally, touched upon in the Health section, there is no mention of whether building new hospitals or health services will actually help those who are too poor to afford medicine.
Last, the project includes plans to relocate several pieces of infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, power lines, and railways. This is something that is noted to be opposed by many of the locals, for whom some of these artifacts have local and cultural significance. Also, it should be mentioned too that not all artifacts will be relocated, and the local population is also opposed to the proposed destruction (flooding, submergence). This part of the infrastructure plan is disregarded in the report.
Last, the project includes plans to relocate several pieces of infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, power lines, and railways. This is something that is noted to be opposed by many of the locals, for whom some of these artifacts have local and cultural significance. Also, it should be mentioned too that not all artifacts will be relocated, and the local population is also opposed to the proposed destruction (flooding, submergence). This part of the infrastructure plan is disregarded in the report.