ELAZIG GUNISIGI NEWSPAPER – September 2012
THE ENDLESS STRUGGLE OF "ILLEGAL WRESTLING"
From infants to the elderly, everyone knows very well that the Law on the Transformation of Areas at Risk of Disasters was enacted to eliminate the insufficient seismic resilience of buildings in our country. When looking at the data on which disasters cause the most loss of life and property in our country, it is clear that earthquakes are the most devastating.
Until now, administrators have constantly complained about the inadequacy of legal infrastructure. However, now there is a law and a regulation in place. Therefore, it is necessary to begin the works that citizens perceive as urban transformation as soon as possible.
However, there is an important issue I must address. I have noticed that the vast majority of urban transformation efforts or plans are concentrated in neighborhoods with low population density.
For Elazığ, of course, urban transformation projects should be carried out in areas like Zafran, Karşıyaka, or Kesrik. However, giving priority to these areas seems nothing less than "illegal wrestling."
Let's imagine a devastating earthquake in Elazığ. The comparison points are clear:
- What is the population density ratio between Zafran and the central neighborhoods? (According to estimates, at least 3 times higher in the center)
- After the buildings are damaged, are there designated areas for tents in the central neighborhoods for citizens to take shelter?
- How will rescue operations be carried out in central neighborhoods when collapsed buildings block the streets?
- During an earthquake, would a citizen be able to exit a single-story house or a 4-5 story building more easily?
These points can be expanded indefinitely. If we are only looking to solve problems in the short-term or seeking to "show off" to others, then starting with the easiest areas is fine. However, the purpose of this law is not to start with the easiest areas, but rather with the most difficult (risky) ones.
I still don’t understand: How is it that people can determine areas for urban transformation without knowing Elazığ’s established risk map?
I have said this repeatedly, and it seems we will continue saying it: Urban transformation works must start with the creation of a city’s risk map. While these efforts continue, zoning plans in central neighborhoods should be reorganized.
The 6306 Law not only aims to strengthen buildings but also to rebuild cities. The goal is to create modern cities with green spaces, infrastructure, streets, and all the features fitting for the modern world.
To achieve these goals, we first need to understand the goal itself. We must see the target and define it correctly. THIS "ILLEGAL WRESTLING" WILL BRING ELÁZIG TO ITS KNEES.
We will talk about this a lot, but I call on everyone who says they love Elazığ: "It’s not enough just to listen to projects based on sound infrastructure and technical data. You must support them."