Based on this information, write a new short title in English: KTMMOB Chamber of Architects President Olguner: Realize the earthquake risk and treat it as a matter above politics – BRTK

KTMMOB Chamber of Architects President Onur Olguner said to the state administrators: “Realize the earthquake risk and treat it as a matter above politics!” he called.

In his written statement, KTMMOB Chamber of Architects President Onur Olguner noted that they started Saturday with the shock of the earthquake off the coast of the island.

Stating that questions about whether the country is ready for earthquakes came to the fore after the earthquake in February 2023 and resurfaced with the earthquakes the previous day, Olguner said that the Building Inspection Portal, established under the Union of Chambers of Turkish Cypriot Engineers and Architects, ensures that the buildings built within its system are earthquake-proof. He noted that it was implemented with the aim of guaranteeing its power against the enemy.

Stating that the professional chamber has made a great effort to keep the Building Inspection Portal alive, to eliminate bureaucratic problems and to ensure its spread to all municipalities, Olguner said, “However, buildings that are started to be built without a license and without passing the building inspection system are not subject to durability control and endanger public health. At this point, it is very important that local governments should seriously consider the issue of making our buildings earthquake resistant and show determination in this regard. “Only with the determination of municipalities, the problems encountered by the system can be resolved, the reporting process will be accelerated, and building IDs can be presented to building owners declaring that the building is earthquake resistant.” he said.

-“Buildings built before 1999 should be urgently overhauled.”

Pointing out that, apart from new buildings, the buildings that carry the highest risk of earthquake damage in the country are those built before 1999, Olguner said, “Gölcük Earthquake was a turning point in facing the reality of earthquakes in the Republic of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Since this date, building materials have changed, standards have been updated according to earthquakes, and the minimum requirements of the load-bearing systems of buildings have been overhauled by civil engineers. However, these structures built in accordance with the old regulation must be tested by Civil Engineers.” he said.

Olguner pointed out that, contrary to the general misconception in the society, the statement that ‘old buildings are stronger than new buildings’ does not reflect the truth, and noted that these buildings were built without using important structural elements such as ready-mixed concrete, ribbed iron and continuous foundations.

Expressing that their durability in the event of a possible earthquake should be tested by civil engineers, Olguner noted that the duty of the state is not only to strengthen schools, but also to implement mechanisms that will control the durability of all buildings in the country.

As the Chamber of Architects, Olguner stated that zoning incentives should be implemented for the renovation of buildings at risk of earthquake in the zoning plan meetings they held with the City Planning Department at KTMMOB, and underlined that they are ready to work on this issue.

Expressing that they believe that the lives of many citizens will be saved in the event of a possible earthquake, Olguner stated that they believe that the lives of many citizens will be saved in the event of a possible earthquake, by determining the zoning incentives that will enable the demolition and reconstruction of buildings that have been determined to be vulnerable to earthquakes, and that the preparations for the proposal report to be submitted to the City Planning Department are continuing.

-“Earthquake risk is real and it is a matter above politics!”

Pointing out that it is the responsibility of the government, opposition parties, local governments and all public administrators to take precautions on this issue, Olguner concluded his words as follows:

“The Chamber of Architects, as a professional chamber in the nature of a public institution, will continue its intense efforts to make our buildings in the old building stock safer with its Building Inspection Portal and new structures and zoning plan recommendations.

Those who govern the state should also realize the seriousness of this issue, address the issue by purifying it from politics, and listen to the words of scientists. Protecting the life safety of every individual living in our country is the most fundamental duty of the state. We will continue to remind those concerned and authorities about this duty at every opportunity!”