Stating that the earthquake risk in Türkiye remains a pressing reality, Batuhan Tozburun, a Civil Engineer (M.Sc.) and Coordinator of Tanyer Yapı Zemin Group, 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 underlined that the consequences of an earthquake in Istanbul could cause devastation even greater than war.
Highlighting that there is a major gap in İzmir when it comes to urban transformation, Batuhan Tozburun said: “After the earthquake in İzmir, the transformation efforts carried out constitute only 10% of the damaged building stock. İzmir is located on a first-degree earthquake zone. In a possible earthquake, we could suffer very large losses both materially and morally. In this regard, citizens need to become more aware and urgent steps must be taken by local authorities and the government. Together with urban transformation, it is vital that the old and earthquake-vulnerable housing stock is transformed as soon as possible on a block-based basis. The consequences of an earthquake in Istanbul would also harm our country significantly in economic terms. On the other hand, unlike the countries around Türkiye, I believe Türkiye being a safe country away from wars will create opportunities for Middle Eastern and international investors,” he said.
CONTRACTORS SHOULD BE SUPPORTED, HOUSING PRODUCTION MUST INCREASE
Stating that both contractor companies and investors in the housing sector are struggling to access credit, Tozburun continued: “People cannot find sufficient loans. For this reason, many construction companies have halted new investments. Construction costs are very high, and citizens do not have enough financial strength to buy new homes. This situation has also affected urban transformation very negatively. These days, the sale price of a new home has risen to the 8–10 million lira range. Under these conditions, both citizens and contractors are staying away from urban transformation. If interest returns fall further, citizens may turn back to housing again. For that, credit opportunities need to be increased. But in my opinion, contractors should be supported first. If contractors increase the housing stock, they can benefit from volume, and citizens, in turn, can buy homes at somewhat more affordable prices. Otherwise, if credit is provided while housing supply remains low, prices will rise even further.”
NEW PROJECTS ON THE WAY
Saying that as Tanyer Yapı Zemin Group they recently delivered a hospital project in Istanbul on time and are now continuing foundation and groundworks for two new large projects in İzmir, Tozburun stated:
“We have risen to an important position in the groundworks field. About three months ago, we started the groundworks for the commercial section of the Alsancak project. We are carrying out groundworks such as deep excavation, diaphragm walls, shoring, jet grouting, bored piles, and barrettes over an area of approximately 2,500 square meters. In the field of geotechnical engineering and foundation works, we have an experienced team of nearly 200 people and a large machinery fleet. We are currently in talks with different companies regarding groundworks for new towers and commercial areas, especially in the Bayraklı region. Within a few months, we will start new construction sites in these areas.”