ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER - May 2010
CAN ELAZIG BE A PIONEER?
Almost all provinces in Turkey are under the threat of earthquakes. Therefore, as we mentioned in previous articles, the urgent implementation of the TUDES (Turkey Earthquake Strategy) is necessary. Most of the earthquake-related efforts in our country focus on post-earthquake actions. Unfortunately, this same gap is present in the efforts within our province as well. Most of the efforts focus on emergency rescue, health, safety, and sheltering after an earthquake. These issues are undoubtedly of great importance. However, we must accept that, in the face of a destructive earthquake (as seen in Ceyhan, Bingöl, Gebze, and Kocaeli), insurmountable deficiencies and resulting difficulties will inevitably occur. These difficulties have even been experienced in a smaller-scale earthquake like the Başyurt-Karakoçan Earthquake, despite the attention of authorities and the understanding of our citizens. What would truly be fitting for our country is to take structural precautions before a destructive earthquake.
The most significant efforts to take structural precautions before a major earthquake are being made for Istanbul. This is because it has been determined that there is a 62% chance of a large earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0 to 7.9 on the Richter scale occurring in Istanbul within the next 30 years. Similarly, the risk of a large earthquake is valid for the Elazığ region as well. Increasing the safety of buildings before a possible earthquake is a sensible effort. However, to focus solely on post-earthquake actions without addressing these structural measures would be a futile effort.
It is easy to say that we are prepared in case an earthquake occurs, but it is much more difficult to take action to renew the large stock of buildings with low earthquake resistance before the earthquake. Regarding structural efforts, we are not obligated to wait for someone else or follow up with them. Elazığ's own resources are sufficient for carrying out these efforts. In terms of urban transformation, Elazığ can be an example and a pioneer for both Turkey and the world.
Urban transformation and renewal efforts are long-term endeavors that require significant effort. These efforts are not just about earthquakes; they will contribute significantly to the city's economy and beauty.
Many of the existing buildings have low earthquake resistance, poor insulation, and a high degree of wear and tear. Urban renewal does not mean the demolition of these buildings one by one and replacing them with new ones. It involves the demolition of all buildings on an area surrounded by roads, after the necessary space is cleared for streets, and the construction of high-rise earthquake-resistant buildings with a limited number of floors, each with four apartments. For these efforts, the first step should be for the municipality to prepare new zoning plans for the old settlements. With these new zoning plans, TOKİ (Housing Development Administration), cooperatives, and the private sector will be key players in urban transformation efforts. Citizens will receive renovated apartments without having to pay any additional fees. According to agreements, the municipality will also gain apartments, which will provide an important resource.
Without going into further details, if we were to list only the advantages of urban renewal:
- Buildings will be renewed, and the most rational precaution will be taken against earthquakes,
- Our citizens will renovate their homes without paying any additional fees,
- Our old neighborhoods will regain their former liveliness,
- The municipality will earn significant income in terms of rent or property ownership,
- The 70% heat loss caused by insufficient insulation in existing buildings will be prevented, contributing significantly to the national and family economy,
- Such a significant revitalization in the construction sector will boost the city's economy,
- Elazığ will begin to become an attraction center in the eastern part of Turkey, in terms of living and commerce,
- The damages to the state and nation caused by a possible destructive earthquake will be prevented.
It is important to emphasize once again that urban renewal efforts are detailed and long-term. Of course, there will be those who argue that these efforts cannot be realized. However, nothing could be as difficult as the consequences of a possible destructive earthquake, such as having your home destroyed, losing loved ones, suffering permanent injuries, enduring lifelong psychological trauma, dealing with epidemics, starvation, being forced to live in tents, losing your job, spending mornings outdoors in winter, pulling your loved ones out of the rubble with your own hands, and finding yourself in a food line when just the day before you were providing for others.
The Turkish nation knows that success lies in focusing on the core idea rather than getting bogged down in details. With this awareness, we believe that the correct steps will be taken in the fight against earthquakes. Elazığ will be an example to our country in terms of urban transformation.
"A renewed Elazığ; a beautiful Elazığ, a modern Elazığ, a metropolitan Elazığ."