Construction of prefabricated houses accelerated

HATAY

In the southern province of Hatay, which experienced massive destruction in the Feb. 6 earthquakes, construction works have been accelerated so that earthquake survivors could settle into prefabricated temporary housing for the Ramadan Feast.

After the devastating earthquakes that claimed more than 50,000 lives, thousands of survivors were left homeless and tried to hold on to life in tent cities.

Until the construction of permanent residences is completed, efforts are underway to move more earthquake survivors from tents to prefabricated temporary shelters that offer more appropriate living spaces.

In several district of Hatay, some survivors started to settle in the container cities whose constructions have just terminated.

Accordingly, more than 1,000 prefabricated houses are being built in three districts of the city including Defne, Kırıkhan and Samandağ by the Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Ministry and the Housing Development Administration (TOKİ).

The construction efforts of prefabricated structures was accelerated so that survivors could spend their Ramadan Feast in their new shelters.

Temporary shelters are built as houses with a bedroom, living room, separate toilet, bathroom and kitchen.

Social life centers such as children’s playgrounds will also be placed in areas where temporary houses are located.

It is aimed for the earthquake survivors to experience more comfortable accommodation until they receive their permanent residences.

“On the one hand, the foundations of permanent residences are laid, on the other hand, we are building temporary shelters where these people will live in a healthier environment until the permanent residences are completed,” stated Abdülselam Doğan, a building expert from TOKİ.

“We are trying to prepare temporary shelters until the Ramadan feast. More than 150 people work in the field in Kırıkhan. Everyone here works hard all day long to get the houses ready for the holiday,” Doğan expressed.

They plan to deliver the shelters to Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) before the feast, Doğan stated.