Government Official Calls Out Outrageous Prices for Concrete in Earthquake Zone
In a recent visit to Malatya, the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Murat Kurum, expressed his dismay at companies selling concrete at exorbitant prices in earthquake-stricken areas. The minister’s incredulity was apparent as he questioned, “Can concrete really be sold for $5,000? Is someone going to take advantage of a disaster like an earthquake to profit? This is unacceptable.”
During his visit, Minister Kurum evaluated the ongoing construction and rehabilitation efforts following the earthquake. Chairing a coordination meeting at Malatya Metropolitan Municipality, he also addressed the issue of opportunistic companies selling concrete at five thousand Turkish Liras per cubic meter in the disaster zone.
Reactions from Local Officials
Listening to statements from municipal mayors during the meeting, Minister Kurum emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “How can concrete cost $5,000? If they can offer concrete at this price, we might as well make steel. This needs to be resolved. Some companies are pouring concrete for a normal price of around 1,800 TL. Let’s say it goes up to 2,200, even 2,500 TL for distant areas. But $5,000 is unreasonable. If it reaches $5,000, we’ll switch to steel and won’t be able to pour a cubic meter of concrete. I won’t pay more than 3,000 TL for concrete. You either solve this below 3,000 or I’ll switch to steel.”
Minister Kurum also directed a clear message to Malatya Governor Seddar Yavuz, instructing, “If they are pouring concrete for $5,000, shut them down. Let’s resolve this within a week.”
Commission to Address Issues in İkizce
In addition to addressing the concrete pricing issue, Minister Kurum listened to the demands of the local neighborhood headman regarding residents whose lands were expropriated in İkizce. He gave instructions for a commission to be formed to address these concerns. Emphasizing the importance of meeting the needs of the residents, Minister Kurum stated, “For those who request a village house with a barn in exchange for their land, a swap will be made, and the Ministry will build houses in the designated area. For those who do not want this option, the equivalent amount for their land will be paid. We will establish a commission to handle these matters. If there is anything that needs to be done here, inform the team, and we will solve it together.”
With a clear directive towards ensuring fair practices and prompt solutions, Minister Kurum’s visit shed light on the pressing issues in earthquake-affected areas, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the construction and rehabilitation processes. The call for action against profiteering in times of crisis resonates deeply, urging stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of affected communities above all else.
