02.07.2025 19:27
Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey stated that there are 84 days of water left in the reservoirs and called on citizens to conserve water. Bozbey said, "It is time to save water in Bursa. Let's not leave our taps running. Let's not water our gardens with drinking water. We must extend this period by conserving water."
Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey warned that the water levels in the dams are alarming. He explained that the Metropolitan Municipality currently has to provide around 150-200 million lira to BUSKİ every month, stating that as of today, Bursa has 84 days' worth of water left.
"IT'S TIME TO SAVE WATER IN BURSA"
Bozbey mentioned that while wells are being drilled, efforts are being made to transfer Çınarcık water to the Dobruca facilities at a cost of 150 million lira, emphasizing that BUSKİ needs to have a structure capable of covering these expenses.
Stating that BUSKİ's debt has increased by 4.5 billion lira in just one year due to foreign exchange rates, Bozbey said, "We expect the council members to support the necessary actions, considering both the future of the institution and not leaving the people of Bursa without water. I also call out to the people of Bursa. Now I say, 'It's time to save water in Bursa.' Let's not leave our taps running. Let's not water our gardens with drinking water. We must extend this period by saving. With rising temperatures, the evaporation rate in the dams is also increasing. When we complete the bypass works, we will be able to breathe, but until that day, we must be frugal," he said.
"THE COST OF ONE CUBIC METER IN BUSKİ IS 72 LIRA"
Addressing the issues related to BUSKİ in the last municipal council, Bozbey stated that the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Council is a local parliament, and its duty is to find, produce, and solve the existing problems of Bursa.
Emphasizing that a mindset that solves problems should be presented in the council, Mayor Bozbey said, "We do not have the intention to cover up or hide any issue. I had said in October and November, 'At this rate, BUSKİ's debt will reach 25 billion by the end of 2025.' I highlighted a reality. The results of the loans taken already showed us the situation. Before taking office, I had also told the people of Bursa, 'We will reduce the water price by 25%.' We brought it to the council, and it was approved. We only realized the situation in BUSKİ after being involved for 7-8 months. The cost of one cubic meter in BUSKİ is 72 lira. We charge 22-23 lira. We told the council members, 'Let's make an arrangement.' Fine, let it not be 72 lira, let BUSKİ subsidize it, but according to the Court of Accounts reports and the presidential circular, this is also a crime. It is incomprehensible for them to turn this into a political polemic. I must share the truth. When the Court of Accounts asks, I will present the report. This is not a threat," he stated.