REQUEST FOR A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY TO MALTEPE AND SEYREK

The Board of Directors of the İzmir Free Zone (İZBAŞ), one of the most significant investment addresses in İzmir for both local and foreign capital, visited İzmir Metropolitan Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay at his office to bring up the road issues affecting access to the Maltepe and Seyrek neighborhoods in Menemen district. The single-lane road extending to the Seyrek Junction on the İzmir ring road, located 16 kilometers away from İZBAŞ, experiences heavy traffic throughout the day. Additionally, it poses challenges for transporting wind turbine blades, which can be up to 90 meters long, from İZBAŞ to the ports of İzmir and Aliağa.

REQUEST FOR A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY TO MALTEPE AND SEYREK

Eyüp Sevimli, Chairman of the İZBAŞ Board, emphasized during the visit to Mayor Cemil Tugay that the increasing number of housing projects in the region has led to a rise in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. He highlighted their proposals for upgrading the single-lane road connecting Seyrek and Maltepe neighborhoods to a dual carriageway standard. Sevimli stated that they have been in contact with all relevant institutions, particularly the General Directorate of Highways 2nd Regional Directorate, to find solutions and have submitted reports. He requested support for bringing the ongoing issue to the agenda of the Transportation Coordination Center (UKOME), chaired by Mayor Cemil Tugay.

THOUSANDS OF İZMIR RESIDENTS USE IT EVERY DAY

Sevimli reminded that the road, used for one lane of traffic in each direction, is not only utilized by İZBAŞ but also by students at Bakırçay University and thousands of residents living in Seyrek and Maltepe. “In addition to our more than 6,000 employees, all shipments from our factories are made via this road. Despite our numerous explanations and reports to both central and local governments, we have not found a solution to our issue,” he said.

LAND SALE NEAR THE TREATMENT PLANT

Eyüp Sevimli pointed out that some parcels of land put up for sale by Menemen Municipality are located just 30 meters from İZBAŞ’s treatment plant. He stated that citizens considering investment in residential buildings on these lands should be aware of this proximity. Sevimli noted that no developed country in the world would allow such close construction near a treatment facility. He said, “Citizens who inquire about this matter and wish to live in residences built on these parcels should be aware that they will be facing the treatment plant and should plan their investments accordingly. Therefore, we see it as our duty to warn those purchasing residential land just beyond our treatment plant.”

He added, “İZBAŞ's treatment plant meets all relevant national and international standards, has no adverse effects on the environment, and is subject to continuous inspection by the relevant public authorities. We trust ourselves and our facility. However, we do not want to face the citizens who buy these properties with the dream of homeownership and end up in undesirable dialogues in the future. We have clearly communicated our concerns to the esteemed Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality. We also expressed our desire to host him in our region as soon as possible. The Metropolitan Municipality has resorted to legal action to halt the sale of numerous properties auctioned by Menemen Municipality under the State Tender Law. Our Mayor is well aware of the issues and conditions in the region, which is very reassuring for us.”

The İZBAŞ delegation that visited İzmir Metropolitan Mayor Dr. Cemil Tugay included Board Chairman Eyüp Sevimli, Vice Chairman Süleyman Tahiroğlu, Board Members Mehmet Eriten and Abdurrahman Akay, İZBAŞ General Manager Gürsel Bahçıvancılar, and Founder of İBA Strategic Communication Consultancy, Serkan Aksüyek.