Suggested initiatives to mark the centenary of the founding of the Turkish republic could shine a light on Fethiye as an example of how the nation can look forward to a greener future and a better quality of life for its people.
In 2018, the town saw the opening of the new Şehit Fethi Bey Park and recreation area built on former wasteland opposite the Devlet Hospital as well as the completion of the cycle way linking the town centre with the beach at Çalış.
But Government leaders have indicated similar initiatives could follow in other cities around the nation as Turkey moves to enhance its performance on environmental issues.
A report in the national Daily Sabah newspaper indicates a raft of new regulations and makeovers are planned over the next four years in the run-up to celebrations to mark the national milestone in 2023.
Cycle network
Among them are plans for a national cycleway network, including 3,000km of new routes connecting resorts along the Aegean coast with Antalya and the Mediterranean; others will link to Erdirne in the north-west as well as new routes between Ankara and İstanbul.
It’s hoped the new cycle ways will be incorporated in the EuroVelo network which currently includes 15 long-distance routes across the European continent.
A similar amount of investment is planned for walking routes across Turkey with an estimated 60,000 square metres of noise abatement barriers also earmarked for busy roads.
Working hand-in-hand
Meanwhile, there are proposals for the Government to subsidise the construction of new waste water treatment works, with a sewerage infrastructure available to every home across the country by 2023.
It’s hoped the investment will boost Turkey’s environmental performance, working hand-in-hand with new initiatives such as charges for plastic bags and a compulsory deposit scheme for plastic drink bottles.
Other initiatives to enhance the “liveability” of towns and cities across Turkey include a drive to replace old and crumbling buildings with newer, more robust structures more resistant to the possibility of earthquakes and tremors.
Meanwhile, companies and individuals considering construction in more rural areas will be encouraged to match local architecture rather than using more urban designs.
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