Reaction from CHP's Bayraktutan to Incomplete Road Projects in Artvin: Let the Roads Not Be Roads of Death

Republican People's Party (CHP) Artvin Deputy Uğur Bayraktutan made a stern call to the government by bringing Artvin's transportation and infrastructure problems to the agenda at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) General Assembly. Stating that the road, tunnel, and bridge projects that have not been completed for years in the city have caused great grievances for the local people, Bayraktutan drew attention to the fact that the current lack of road safety has now led to loss of lives. Recalling a tragic traffic accident that occurred in recent days during his speech, Bayraktutan criticized the failure to take necessary measures in the areas. He emphasized that the authorities and the government must no longer remain indifferent to this issue. Bayraktutan demanded that transportation projects be completed as soon as possible, saying, "Let Artvin roads not be roads of death."

At the top of the chronic problems that have been unsolved for years in Artvin's transportation network is the heavy commercial traffic on important transit routes. The heavy truck traffic, especially on the route between Hopa and Sarp Border Gate, puts both drivers and local people in great difficulty. Bayraktutan stated that due to trucks parking on the side of these roads, traffic is disrupted in both directions and transportation is virtually paralyzed. He noted that it is unacceptable for the infrastructure to be so inadequate in a region where border trade and logistics are so intense. He added to his words that this situation negatively affects not only the local people but also the drivers using commercial vehicles and causes serious time losses.

It has emerged that the number of critical infrastructure projects in the region, whose foundations were laid but could not be completed and opened for service, is far from negligible. According to the statements made by Bayraktutan from the assembly rostrum, the connecting roads of the Cankurtaran Tunnel in Hopa could not be completed for about ten years. Similarly, the Borçka Camili (Macahel) Tunnel and Güreşen Bridge projects, known for their natural beauty, have been kept idle for years. It was reported that the Murgul-Artvin road and the Murgul-Damar bypass road lag far behind modern road standards and pose a danger to drivers. The failure to complete these projects prevents safe and uninterrupted transportation in the region.

Deputy Bayraktutan also criticized the failure to keep promises made in previous years, stating that the people's hopes have been extinguished. Despite the promise that the Ardanuç-Ardahan road would be completed in 2021, he evaluated the fact that the project is still unfinished as a crisis of confidence. However, he reminded that many strategically important routes such as the Yusufeli-Sarıgöl group road, Öğdem road, and Sahara Tunnel have also been idle for years. He emphasized that the constant postponement of investments also restricts economic mobility in the region. He added to his words that these projects, which came to the agenda during the election period but were forgotten afterwards, need to be implemented as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, these chronic deficiencies in transportation infrastructure also lead to frequent disasters causing loss of lives in the region. The Şavşat-Artvin road stands out as a dangerous route where accidents and deaths have occurred for years due to the lack of security measures. In his speech, Bayraktutan also touched upon the tragic accident that occurred in the Şavşat stream in recent days. Extending his condolences to their families, he commemorated 68-year-old Selahattin Kaya and his 45-year-old son Mecit Kaya, who lost their lives when a pickup truck lost control and fell into the Şavşat Stream. Stating that in order for these painful events not to happen again, road standards must be raised and security measures must be taken, he requested urgent steps to be taken from the assembly and the government.