Dams ‘not built as measures for terror’

AFYONKARAHİSAR - Doğan News Agency

Minister Veysel Eroğlu says dams were not built as an anti-terror measure. DHA photo

Dams being built in the southeast province of Şırnak were not constructed as a precaution against terror activity, Forestry and Waterworks Minister Veysel Eroğlu said Aug. 24. The minister stressed the purpose of the 11 planned dams, three of which have already begun to retain water, is to regulate flood waters and produce electricity.

Eroğlu introduced several water projects in a media press conference, including the Çayüstü pond and an irrigation project planned to be built at Dinar district of central Anatolian province of Afyonkarahisar. He also introduced Döğer Emre pond and irrigation project set to be built in the İhsaniye district of the same province and Karağaç pond and irrigation project in İscehisar district. The minister also said forest fires at Mersin, Hatay and Muğla were now under control. These fires were not connected to terror activities Eroğlu said. Three of the 11 dams built in Şırnak have started retaining water, Eroğlu said, adding that these dams were not built as an anti-terror measure. Dams and ponds were being built all across Turkey, he said. “Dam projects were perceived as if they were measures against terror. However, they are built to prevent floods and for producing electricity. Turkey is our land. Just as we built them in Afyonkarahisar, we also build dams and ponds in Şırnak because those living in those regions are also our people.”