Batuhan Tozburun, Civil Engineer (M.Sc.) and Coordinator of Tanyer Yapı Ground Group, stated that the earthquake risk in Türkiye remains a reality and emphasized that urban transformation is at least as important as the defense industry.
Pointing out that multiple wars are currently taking place in the region surrounding Türkiye, Tozburun noted that the consequences of a major earthquake in Istanbul could cause even greater destruction than war.
Highlighting that there is still a major gap in urban transformation in İzmir, Batuhan Tozburun said: “The transformation works carried out after the earthquake in İzmir account for only 10 percent of the damaged building stock. İzmir is located in a first-degree earthquake zone. In the event of a possible earthquake, we could face very serious material and moral losses. Citizens need to become more aware of this issue, and urgent steps must be taken by local governments and the central administration. Along with urban transformation, it is vital that the old and earthquake-vulnerable housing stock be transformed on a block-by-block basis as soon as possible. The consequences of an earthquake in Istanbul would also cause major economic damage to our country. On the other hand, I believe that Türkiye being a safe country, away from wars unlike the countries around it, will create opportunities for Middle Eastern and international investors.”
CONTRACTORS SHOULD BE SUPPORTED, HOUSING PRODUCTION MUST INCREASE
Stating that both contractors and investors in the housing sector are struggling to access financing, Tozburun continued: “People cannot find enough loans. For this reason, many construction companies have halted their new investments. Construction costs are extremely high, and citizens do not have sufficient financial means to buy newly built housing. This situation has also affected urban transformation very negatively. At the moment, the sales price of a new home has risen to the 8 to 10 million lira range. Under these conditions, both citizens and contractors are staying away from urban transformation. If interest returns decline further, citizens may turn back to housing again. For that, credit opportunities need to be expanded. But in my opinion, contractors should be supported first. If contractors increase the housing stock, they will benefit from volume, and citizens will be able to buy homes at somewhat more affordable prices. Otherwise, if financing is provided while housing supply remains low, prices will rise even further.”
NEW PROJECTS ARE ON THE WAY
Saying that as Tanyer Yapı Ground Group they recently delivered the hospital project in Istanbul on time and are now continuing the groundworks of two new large projects in İzmir, Tozburun said: “We have reached an important position in the geotechnical field. About three months ago, we started the groundworks for the commercial section of the Allsancak project. Over an area of approximately 2,500 square meters, we are carrying out geotechnical works such as deep excavation, diaphragm walls, retaining systems, jet grout, bored piles, and barrettes. In the field of geotechnical engineering and foundation works, we have an experienced team of nearly 200 people and a broad machine park. At the moment, we are in talks with different companies, especially regarding the groundworks of new towers and commercial areas in the Bayraklı region. Within a few months, we will begin new construction sites in these areas.”