Major Infrastructure Initiative for Kapaklı from the Metropolitan Municipality and TESKİ

 As part of the project carried out by TESKİ, the foundation was laid for the transmission line that will deliver treated drinking water from the Ayvacık Dam to Kapaklı. At the same time, the Package Water Treatment Plant to be constructed as part of the project was unveiled.

7.2-KILOMETER TRANSMISSION LINE AND PACKAGE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

Under the project, water from the Ayvacık Drinking Water Treatment Plant will be delivered directly to the water reservoirs in Kapaklı via a 7.2-kilometer transmission line. This pipeline will replace Kapaklı’s drinking water—which has long been entirely dependent on groundwater wells—with treated, safe water from a surface source. Furthermore, the quality of the water will be further improved through the Package Water Treatment Plant to be constructed, thereby strengthening the district’s water security.

DEPENDENCE ON GROUNDWATER IS DECREASING

In Kapaklı, drinking water needs are currently met by 32 boreholes. However, water quality in these wells has deteriorated over time, with iron and manganese levels in particular on the rise. Thanks to the new water transmission line and the packaged water treatment plant, a significant portion of the district will gain access to healthy and uninterrupted water service.

In Tekirdağ, the majority of drinking water is still sourced from groundwater. However, these sources are gradually diminishing, making it harder to access water, and the quality of the water that is accessed is also declining. For this reason, treating and making available surface water sources such as dams and reservoirs is of great importance.

Of the project’s total contract value of 189,973,410 TL, 88,828,000 TL has been allocated to Kapaklı. TESKİ has made investments totaling 59,308,378 TL in Kapaklı over the past year. The total value of ongoing and planned projects in the district amounts to 236,961,000 TL. As part of the same project, drinking water will also be supplied from the Ayvacık Dam to neighborhoods in Saray. In Çerkezköy, aging drinking water lines are being replaced, and a new 10-kilometer sewer line is being constructed.

The groundbreaking ceremony and presentation program began with a moment of silence and the singing of the Turkish National Anthem. Following this, TESKİ General Manager Mehmet Ali Şişmanlar provided participants with information about the investment and thanked Tekirdağ Metropolitan Mayor Candan Yüceer for his support of TESKİ.

MAYOR CANDAN: “WE ARE VERY HAPPY TO HAVE LAID THIS FOUNDATION”

Expressing that they were very happy to have resolved a significant issue that had persisted for years, Tekirdağ Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Candan Yüceer said, “We are very excited and very happy today. Of course, every opening is valuable, meaningful, and a source of joy and pride for us. But today we feel a different kind of excitement. We are resolving an issue that has persisted for years and caused hardship for years. As we were driving here, my wife reminded me: ‘Do you remember?’ she asked. ‘While we were touring this area during the election campaign, a woman stopped us. She said, “Our water runs yellow. Our laundry is ruined. But I really believe in you; you’ll solve this problem.’ Today, we’re very happy that we didn’t let that trust down and that we’ve laid this foundation. Because this step is a very important one toward a healthy water future for Kapaklı,” she said.

“UNTIL NOW, ONLY WELL WATER HAS BEEN USED—THAT WILL CHANGE”

Highlighting that this investment will reduce dependence on groundwater, Mayor Candan said, “With the Ayvacık Dam’s transmission line, we are reducing Kapaklı’s dependence on groundwater—which has been its aching wound. Kapaklı has no surface water source. It is a district that is dependent on groundwater, experiencing rapid migration, with a growing industry and population, yet has been unable to receive adequate services for many years. The project whose foundation was laid today will enable the transmission of treated water from our Saray Ayvacık Facility to reservoirs via a transmission line approximately 7.2 kilometers long. Until now, only well water has been used; this will now change,” he said.

Noting that they will also implement significant investments in Saray and Çerkezköy as part of the same project, Yüceer added, “Just the other day, we laid a similar foundation in our Saray district. In the coming weeks, we will begin renovating a 21-kilometer drinking water line in Çerkezköy. This line will be pressure-resistant and supported by pressure-reducing systems to prevent frequent pipe bursts and malfunctions. In addition, infrastructure and sewerage work will be carried out in the new residential areas of Cumhuriyet and Atatürk neighborhoods. Water reservoirs are very important. In the coming days, we will hold a tender for a 7,500-cubic-meter water reservoir in Kapaklı. We will make it available to our people as soon as possible,” he said.

“THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE PAST CANNOT MEET THE NEEDS OF THE FUTURE”

Emphasizing that this work is essential, Mayor Candan continued his remarks as follows:

“So, why is this project necessary? Because the levels of iron and manganese in Kapaklı’s groundwater are quite high. When these combine with chlorine, the result is an unsightly and unhealthy appearance. Even if it is bacteriologically safe, it takes on a brownish color that we would not want flowing from our faucets. With the foundation laid today, our surface water usage rate will increase by 10 percent. In many of our neighborhoods, these iron- and manganese-related problems will be eliminated. We will have access to healthier water that meets standards. Currently in Kapaklı, there are: 342 kilometers of drinking water lines, 318 kilometers of sewer lines, 50 kilometers of stormwater lines, 12 water reservoirs, 7 pumping stations, and 32 active wells. This infrastructure system serves over 55,000 subscribers. However, we know that the infrastructure of the past cannot meet the needs of the future. That is why we must rapidly modernize our infrastructure. On top of that, we now face the climate crisis. Drought is no longer at our doorstep—it’s right inside our homes. Global warming, reduced rainfall, emptying reservoirs, and reservoirs sounding the alarm… We must find new water sources, combat water loss and leakage, and renew our infrastructure. We must conserve water and use it wisely. I believe our citizens will also be mindful of conserving water. As TESKİ and the Metropolitan Municipality, we are working with all our might to combat water loss and leakage, create new sources, and ensure the supply of safe and potable water.”

“WE MUST LEAVE OUR GROUNDWATER TO OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN”

Stating that groundwater is a legacy that must be passed on to future generations, Mayor Candan said, “Every year, it becomes increasingly difficult to obtain water from wells. The water is receding deeper underground, and costs are rising. We must leave our groundwater for our children and grandchildren. Mayor Mustafa, thank you for bringing Kapaklı’s needs to the forefront during your visits to Ankara. We, too, are emphasizing—both during our visits to the Provincial Bank and in our dealings with the ministry—that our city needs more dams, reservoirs, and surface water, and that water usage in industry must be brought under control. This water belongs to all of us. This responsibility belongs to all of us. As politicians, as citizens, and as local officials, we must act together on this issue. Since I took office, we have been working closely with TESKİ. As our General Manager said: “We go to bed with water, and we wake up with water.” Because Tekirdağ is a city with limited and fragile water resources. For this reason, we have expanded TESKİ’s vehicle fleet to over 200 vehicles. We are also strengthening our infrastructure in terms of technology and logistics. We will do whatever it takes to provide a more effective, efficient, and cost-effective service. Because we are committed to protecting this city’s water, air, soil, and people. We have a deep love for Tekirdağ’s 11 districts. We know that clean water is not a privilege but a right in these lands. But the world has changed. We must change too. We need to reevaluate our habits. Water conservation is very important. In addition, there are wildfires… We’ve faced more wildfires this summer than ever before. Let’s not throw away cigarette butts, let’s not burn stubble, and let’s not litter the environment with glass bottles. Because even the tiniest spark can destroy an entire forest,” he said.

“WE ARE WORKING DAY AND NIGHT FOR EQUAL, FAIR, AND JUST SERVICES”

Noting that they have been working intensively throughout the province to meet these needs, Yüceer concluded his remarks as follows:

“As the Metropolitan Municipality and TESKİ, together with all our district municipalities, we will continue to work with all our might to resolve these issues. We are working day and night for equal, fair, and just service. We will also continue our work with your support. God willing, in the coming months, we will lay the foundation for the fire station in Kapaklı together. Additionally, our planning efforts are ongoing for Recep Güven Park to address Kapaklı’s need for a town square and parking lot. We are planning it so that the lower level will be a parking lot, while the upper level will be a green space and a living area. We will continue to work to meet whatever your needs and requests may be. We believe that this transmission line, for which we laid the foundation today, will resolve Kapaklı’s long-standing drinking water problem. We will have access to healthier, more drinkable water that meets all standards. And most importantly, we will preserve our groundwater for our children and grandchildren. I hope this investment brings blessings to Kapaklı, Tekirdağ, and all of you, our valued fellow citizens. I would like to thank all TESKİ employees, our General Manager, the contractor, and everyone who contributed to this project. I am confident that it will be completed as soon as possible and put into service for our fellow citizens. May it bring good fortune and success. I extend my warm regards and respect.”

Following Mayor Candan’s speech, the members of the official delegation toured the construction site.

In addition to Tekirdağ Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Dr. Candan Yüceer and TESKİ General Manager Mehmet Ali Şişmanlar, the event was attended by Kapaklı Mayor Mustafa Çetin, Metropolitan Municipality Secretary General Av. Arzu Çebi Topçu, political party representatives, council members, neighborhood wardens, representatives of civil society organizations and associations, and a large number of citizens.

Tekirdağ Metropolitan Municipality and TESKİ are continuing their investments without interruption to ensure that residents in all districts have access to clean, healthy, and sustainable drinking water.