Karpaz Residents Demand Completion of Bitola Road, Says BRTK
The people of Karpaz demand completion of Dipkarpaz Monastery road
Today, the residents of Karpaz gathered to protest the delay in completing the Dipkarpaz Monastery road. With the participation of Erenköy Karpaz Municipality, several non-governmental organizations, and concerned citizens, banners were raised with messages such as “Don’t ignore, enough is enough”, “Karpaz is not abandoned”, and “We have been waiting for years, it’s enough”.
During the protest, it was highlighted that the road’s delay is affecting the Karpaz region both economically and socially. The residents emphasized the urgent need for the construction of the road to begin as soon as possible. In a symbolic gesture, the demonstrators temporarily closed the Dipkarpaz Monastery road to traffic.
Erenköy Karpaz Mayor Hamit Bakırcı expressed frustration over the ongoing delays in road construction, stating that the people of the region have been suffering for 40 years, leading to forced migration of young people. Bakırcı cited the postponement of road construction by the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Erhan Arıklı, as a major setback.
Addressing other issues in the region, Bakırcı mentioned his efforts to resolve them through dialogue over the past two years. However, he stressed that if action is necessary, the people of Karpaz are prepared to take a stand. Bakırcı urged the authorities to prioritize the construction of the road to alleviate the hardships faced by the community.
Representatives of non-governmental organizations reiterated the importance of road infrastructure for the region’s development, stating that “civilization follows where roads lead”. They called on government officials to address the road problem in Karpaz, a region known for its unique natural beauty.
The protest serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the residents of Karpaz and their unwavering determination to see the completion of the Dipkarpaz Monastery road to secure a better future for the community.
