Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayors Serra Bucak and Emin Ay met with the heads and representatives of associations affiliated with the Diyarbakır Union of Chambers of Tradespeople and Craftspeople (DESOB). The meeting was attended by the co-mayors of the central district municipalities, council members, DBB General Secretary Serdar Bakıroğlu, DESOB President Alican Ebedinoğlu and heads of municipal departments. The challenges facing local traders were discussed in detail, along with proposals for addressing them.

Heads of Associations Raise Their Concerns

Speaking at the meeting, the heads of the associations said that unregistered businesses and street vendors were causing significant difficulties for registered traders. They called for more frequent on-site inspections, measures to tackle unregistered trading and more effective enforcement action against street vendors by municipal enforcement teams.

Representatives also highlighted the difficulties faced by small grocers and local businesses due to supermarket chains, calling for measures to protect small businesses.

Other requests included more frequent inspections of businesses that fail to meet hygiene standards in order to protect public health, as well as a review of the criteria for the “White Flag” awarded to businesses that meet hygiene standards.

The heads of the associations also said that business licence fees charged by district municipalities were too high and called for revised rates and measures to simplify the process. They also raised concerns about road surfacing and the impact of heavy rainfall.

Co-Mayor Bucak Highlights the Importance of Cooperation and Coordination

Co-Mayor Serra Bucak took note of the concerns raised by traders and association representatives, saying that the municipality would work jointly with the relevant departments to address them. Commenting on the main issues discussed and the municipality’s plans, Bucak referred to the road surfacing work carried out this season and said that work on certain roads would be stepped up during the coming spring and summer.

She added that local meetings would be organised to address district-specific problems. She also said that more practical and accessible arrangements for business licences would be considered in coordination with the four central district municipalities and the Metropolitan Municipality.

Maintenance Work Planned at the Livestock Market

Drawing attention to staff shortages in the municipal enforcement teams and difficulties recruiting personnel due to austerity measures, Co-Mayor Bucak also addressed the situation at the livestock market.

She said the livestock market was now located within the city and that its facilities had reached the end of their service life. To prevent traders from facing difficulties during the winter, temporary restoration and maintenance work would be carried out, while work on a new livestock market was continuing.

Infrastructure Works Planned Around Sinek Creek

Co-Mayor Bucak also spoke about planned infrastructure works around Sinek Creek and investments by the Diyarbakır Water and Sewerage Administration (DİSKİ) General Directorate.

“The issue of Sinek Creek is a long-standing problem, but we can resolve it. We have both the investment capacity and the financial resources to do so. DİSKİ has carried out truly tremendous work over the past two and a half years, but it is not visible. The reason is that we are working on underground infrastructure rather than surface improvements. We have laid kilometres of sewerage pipes and cleared kilometres of stormwater networks. We have built a new transmission main and are now constructing a second main transmission line. Our second treatment plant, the drinking water treatment plant, is currently around 60 per cent complete. We are also commissioning package treatment plants. Water treatment is therefore not a problem for us. We have built package treatment plants in Kulp and elsewhere. We also have the capacity and resources to do the same in Çermik. We ask for your patience this winter so that we can complete our preparations. DİSKİ will certainly begin work there in the spring. Next year, everyone will be able to enjoy picnics at Sinek Creek to their heart’s content,” she said.

Call for Traders’ Associations to Take Part in Setting Tariffs and Valuation Rates

Co-Mayor Bucak said that traders’ groups, including minibus operators, public bus operators, taxi drivers and bakers, should involve DESOB and the relevant associations directly in the processes for setting tariffs and valuation rates.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to hold further, more comprehensive meetings at which the requests of the traders’ associations would be examined in detail under separate headings.