DIDIM could soon be handed the keys to a new development – an open prison.

Despite the town falling within a tourist zone, the Ministry of Finance which owns swatches of land throughout the town has apparently agreed to allocate 1,662 acres to the Ministry of Justice to be used as an open prison.

The location is on the way to the Aqua Park, out towards Tasburun, which is past Mavisehir and on the way to Akkoy. The allocated area lies on a hill and less than three kilometers from the Aegean shoreline.

Local media reported that prisoners would be used to contribute in the development of olive cultivation and animal husbandry.

There is no time frame on development and no further details, but it is understood that the Ministry of Finance conducted the matter in great secrecy with the General Directorate of National Property, sensing the location would take many by surprise.

The plans have been under development for just over a year, Didim Governor Ersin Emiroglu. However, he added that the plans have not yet been confirmed.

Didim Mayor Deniz Atabay said that the resort is in a tourist area and the prison would not add to that. He said that civil society groups would be consulted and a decision would be taken from there.