In the “Participatory Budget” scheme carried out by Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality in cooperation with the City Council, three new projects selected by citizens’ votes were introduced. The environmentally friendly, innovative and solidarity-based projects will guide the city’s future with collective wisdom.

The results of the “Participatory Budget” scheme—conducted under the slogan “Vote for your city, make the decision yourself!” and in which citizens chose from projects prepared to address the city’s priority needs—have been announced. The new projects, which aim to improve the quality of life in the city, to spread eco-friendly urban practices and to strengthen social solidarity, were introduced at a meeting held at the Çand Amed Culture and Congress Centre. The launch was attended by the Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayors Serra Bucak and Doğan Hatun; DBB Council Co-Spokespersons Demet Ceylan and Ayhan Karatekin; Council members Canan Efe Şahin and Mahmut Yokuş; the City Council Secretary General Selvi Tunç; and citizens who voted in the budgeting scheme and presented their projects.

‘Not a competition but a shared experience concerning the city’

In the opening speech of the meeting, City Council Secretary General Selvi Tunç drew attention to the fact that this was not a competition but an experience in which words about the city are produced and common sense comes to the fore. Selvi added that the scheme in question has opened the doors to a fairer and more liveable Diyarbakır.

Co-Mayor Bucak: Some projects are already included in our strategic plan

Co-Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality, Serra Bucak, stated that they had experience of a participatory democratic approach, but that diversifying it is an endless journey. Co-Mayor Bucak said, “Our ultimate aim is to progress and improve by overcoming any constraints, if there are any. This year we gained experience, but next year we aim to present different forms and to develop participation across different platforms. I would like to thank all participant colleagues who applied; they are all very valuable projects. Some projects are already included in our strategic plan, which shows that they are on the city’s agenda as well, so we will put better work into practice. Beyond the three projects that received the most votes, we will conduct sustainable work—guided by collective wisdom—in order to develop it together with citizens,” she said.

Co-Mayor Hatun: The people’s decision is decisive

Co-Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality, Doğan Hatun, also noted that the projects were chosen by the public, stating: “For us, the people come first; the people’s decision is decisive. Another project we have initiated is included in our strategic plan. In the future, we can reassess according to the applications, and we will develop our projects through the public’s choice. The aim of the projects is to form stronger projects aimed at solving the city’s problems,” he said.

Three Projects Chosen by the Public

For the participatory budget scheme, which received 234 applications, 21 projects were put to the vote and 4,165 votes were cast. As a result of the citizens’ choices, three innovative projects came to the fore: “Smart Pavement, Kinetic Energy Park Pilot Project”, “My Sapling That Grows With Me”, and the “Home Improvement Project”.

Smart Pavement Kinetic Energy Park Pilot Project

Within the scope of the project, in a centrally used park in the city, walking paths, entrances to play areas and seating areas will be converted into smart infrastructure that generates energy from footsteps.

Thanks to the piezoelectric panels to be used in the park, lighting, charging stations and smart benches will be supported with the kinetic energy obtained from citizens’ steps. In addition, by displaying the amount of energy produced via digital boards, awareness of renewable energy will be created for children and young people.

When the project is successfully completed, the first walkway generating green energy in Diyarbakır’s parks will be brought into service.

‘A Sapling that Grows Alongside Me’

With this project, every baby born in Diyarbakır—and citizens who wish to mark their special days in a meaningful way—will be encouraged to plant a sapling in their own name.

By giving each tree a name and a tag, individuals’ sense of belonging to nature will be strengthened. In addition, participants will be provided with information and tool support regarding correct planting methods.

The project aims both to build climate awareness and to increase green spaces. In this way, each new birth or special day will contribute to the city’s future as a growing tree.

Home Refurbishment Project

Aimed at improving the living conditions of low-income families, the project seeks to make home interiors aesthetic, hygienic and modern.

For renovation works such as paint, wallpaper and parquet flooring, the municipality will provide materials and labour. Priority will be given to families including people with disabilities, older people, large families and families living in poverty.

Within the scope of the project, the homes of at least 500 families will be refurbished, thereby both improving quality of life and creating employment opportunities for local tradespeople and craftworkers.

At the end of the launch, certificates of appreciation were presented and various gifts were given to the citizens whose projects ranked in the top three. Participants attending the meeting also presented their projects and ideas.