08.08.2026 00:10
Erkan Çağlar, the Mayor of Çerikli town in Delice district of Kırıkkale, addressed citizens who have not paid their water bills, stating that the funds received by the municipality are not even enough to cover personnel expenses. Çağlar said, 'If you know how to say there is no water, then also pay for the water. If I pay, you should pay too. If you paid what you owe, we wouldn't have to ask anyone for anything. I am not threatening anyone. Let's not come into conflict.'
While efforts continue to solve the water shortage in the town of Çerikli, affiliated with the Delice district of Kırıkkale, Mayor Erkan Çağlar called on citizens. Stating that the municipality's current revenues are insufficient even to cover personnel salaries, Çağlar said that collections are important for the procurement of materials needed for the water infrastructure.
"OUR INCOME IS NOT EVEN ENOUGH FOR SALARIES"
Stating that pools, pipes, ready-mixed concrete, cement, and water pumps are needed to solve the water problem in the town, Çağlar said the municipality struggles to cover these investments with its own budget. Asking citizens to pay their water bills regularly, Çağlar said, "We need cement, ready-mixed concrete, pipes, and water pumps. We need money for these as well. I am not in a position to buy them out of my own pocket and install them. Our income is not even enough for salaries."
Claiming that the allowance transferred to the municipality from İller Bankası does not cover personnel expenses, Çağlar said a deficit of approximately 600-700 thousand liras occurs each month. Explaining that he sometimes waives his own salary and the receivables of the municipal company to ease the municipality's financial burden, Çağlar noted that despite this, the desired level in water collections has not been achieved.
"IF YOU KNOW HOW TO SAY THERE IS NO WATER, ALSO PAY THE WATER BILL"
Emphasizing that citizens paying their water debts is important for sustaining investments to be made in the infrastructure, Çağlar said, "President, if you know how to say there is no water, also pay the water bill. If I pay, you should pay too. If you pay your money, we won't have to ask anyone for anything. I am doing my best, but we cannot carry this burden alone."
"IF THEY DON'T PAY THEIR DEBT, WE WILL SEAL IT AND MOVE ON"
Stating that legal action will be taken within the framework of regulations against subscribers who do not pay their water debts, Çağlar said there will be a difference in practice between those who pay and those who do not. Çağlar said, "I am not threatening anyone. We will disconnect the connection of those who do not pay their water bill. If there is a problem with the meter, the necessary action will be taken. If they don't pay their debt, we will seal it and move on. There is nothing else we can do."
"LET'S NOT COME TO CONFRONTATION"
Asking citizens for common sense and support, Çağlar stated that they will continue to work in line with the schedule they have set to solve the water problem, saying, "If you want my water to flow, help us. Pay the water bill. Let's not come to confrontation. I am asking one last time, please help us."