A SEMINAR held last week addressed the strengths and weaknesses of Didim’s infrastructure as part of a launch to develop a five-year plan for the tourist resort.

Political parties, civil groups and individuals came together to discuss potential plans, issues and improvements for Akbuk and Didim at the Palm Wings Hotel last Thursday.

The plan is a new requirement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs for towns with populations over 50,000 people. The strategic plan will run from 2015-2019.

Didim Mayor Deniz Atabay, senior council officers, Didim Governor Ersin Emiroglu and Aydin Mayor Özlem Çerçioğlu were due to be key speakers at the event.

The seminar was momentarily interrupted by Akbuk residents who demonstrated with banners over the ongoing sewer issues in the town.

Mr Atabay, in his opening address, said the seminar was aimed at identifying the pros and cons of the resort, where things could be improved and called for ideas to enhance the town’s image as part of the Aydin Province set-up.

He said: “We care about what people think and what they want for the area. The main task is to assess all matters and issues, and then report back to the public as to what the council plans to do over the next five years.”

It is expected that a report on budgets and other issues will be prepared before November.

The local government shake-up of services means that Didim has transferred a number services over to Aydin municipality responsibility.

These include water services and sewers, fire management, transportation services, the bus station, state management, fumigation, large parks, roads, parking management, solid waste disposal, waste water management and cemetery management.

Participants pointed out potential opportunities such as sun tourism, wind surfing, historical and health tourism, as well as highlighting drawbacks in Didim, such as sewerage and water problems, bad roads, and a lack of space for children’s play areas.