Mayor Topak: Listen to the voice of Velimeşe

Ergene Mayor Müge Yıldız Topak drew attention to the grievances caused by the closure of the level crossing in Velimeşe neighborhood by Tekirdağ Metropolitan Municipality. Mayor Topak stated that they have been voicing the legitimate demands of the citizens on every platform. She noted that the closure has led to serious problems in transportation and many other areas in the neighborhood. She emphasized that this situation has negatively affected social and economic life. She mentioned that shopkeepers are losing customers, farmers have difficulty reaching their fields, and workers face significant time losses. Additionally, delays in the access of emergency services such as ambulances and fire trucks to the neighborhood are concerning.

Mayor Topak recalled that from the very beginning, they repeatedly stated that the main road should not be cut off before alternative transportation routes were completed. She said they clearly expressed this view in meetings and made official objections. She emphasized that they had foreseen the negative impacts the decision would have on citizens. Therefore, they warned the authorities but were not heeded. She noted that the grievances are growing day by day.

The closure of the level crossing in Velimeşe has severely affected the daily lives of local residents. Residents face difficulties reaching their workplaces, schools, and healthcare facilities. Long vehicle queues and insufficient alternative routes have significantly increased travel times. This poses life-threatening risks, especially in emergencies. Mayor Topak stated that this is no longer just a transportation issue but a problem threatening the social and economic fabric of the neighborhood.

Mayor Topak stressed that a permanent solution requires the immediate initiation of a bridge junction project. She noted that this project, under the authority and responsibility of Tekirdağ Metropolitan Municipality, would resolve the grievances. She stated that Ergene Municipality will continue to stand by the citizens and voice their legitimate demands on every platform. She also emphasized that they approach all neighborhoods with the same sensitivity and consider the problems as their own.

Finally, Mayor Topak reiterated that the expectation of the people of Velimeşe is clear: the bridge junction project must be started as soon as possible. She stated that Ergene Municipality will fulfill its responsibilities and continue to be the voice of the citizens. In her statement, she said, "We approach every neighborhood of Ergene with the same sensitivity and see the problems of our citizens as our own."