The Akbuk Volunteers Platform, which continues to seek solutions by voicing problems at weekly meetings, have raised their concerns about the continuing concreting of the village.
Mesut Erkoyun, a group spokesperson, told the local press: “We, as Akbük volunteers, have made several attempts at local governments and the Metropolitan Municipality in order to find solutions to Akbük’s problems for about a year.
“Although some of our proposals have a solution, unfortunately, the desired solution has not been realized for some of them. We will continue to follow up on these issues.
“15-20 years ago, Akbuk used to heal people with respiratory diseases with its oxygen-rich air. It even served as a natural clinic. In recent years, it is about to lose this valuable element due to indifference and neglect.
“Akbük, which has a residence population of around 7,000, welcomes around 150,000 to 200,000 guests in the summer months due to the fact that its mountains are also open for development.”
The statement called out several issues, including the ongoing sewerage problems which in their view has not been resolved. It added: “The inadequacy of the vacuum trucks belonging to ASKI causes the cesspools to overflow. This prevents us from encountering undesirable odors and prevents Akbük from getting dirty or even developing.”
The statement also reflected on the concerns on the availability of enough drinking water for the area and landscaping issues. It added: “We don’t want to talk about it, but “Green Akbuk” has now become “Concrete Akbuk”.
“Akbuk is still the shining star of the region. We are also proud of that. However, on the one hand, concretization has taken its toll. Our greatest desire is to focus on the construction of buildings in accordance with the zoning plans of the construction industry, in accordance with the laws, in a way that suits this beautiful town.
They also drew attention for more buses to aid the elderly in getting to local and regional hospitals.
The group concluded: “Akbuk is in the bay of Mandalya Bay with a 15 km coastline. It is a natural clinic for those suffering from asthma with its lush forests, clear blue sea and clean air, away from the noise. It should stay like this.
“In addition, we think that it will be very beneficial for both Akbuk residents and Local Administrations to pay due attention to factors such as marine pollution, environmental pollution and the protection of natural life.”