Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Veysel Tiryaki stated that Türkiye is a country experiencing water stress and will be water poor after 2030. In the workshop organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, it was emphasised that measures should be taken to ensure that water can safely come from the source to the tap.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Veysel Tiryaki said, “After 2030, this country, this Anatolian geography will be among the water-poor countries. We have to take our measures.”
The General Directorate of Water Management of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry organised the “Introduction Meeting and Risk Management Workshop on the Preparation of Drinking and Utility Water Safety Plans from Source to Tap” in Türkiye’s Southeastern province of Gaziantep in order to ensure that water can come safely from source to tap.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop held at a hotel, Tiryaki announced that their aim is to cooperate with local governments from the source of water to drinking and to increase sensitivity.
Pointing out that Türkiye is a country experiencing water stress, Tiryaki noted, “Unless the necessary measures are taken until 2030, it is said by the authorities and scientists that we will become water poor. We are already seeing this.”
Indicating that there are changes in the field of climate as in every field in the world, Tiryaki continued as follows:
“This year, more than 2 thousand forest fires broke out only in Türkiye. In many countries of the world, there are still fires that continue even today. I can say that very few of these are deliberate, but a very important part is caused by human error. The number of fires caused by a cigarette we throw on the road or a barbecue fire we light is very high. In parallel with many climate changes, seas and lakes are drying up, water is cut off, fires break out and floods occur. In some places, a year’s rain falls in one day. In other words, there is a serious change in climate. Our duty is to take our precautions. After 2030, this country, this Anatolian geography will be among the water-poor countries. We have to take our precautions.”
Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber added that the use of water, which is one of the most basic substances of life, has been an important issue throughout human history.
Emphasizing that everyone should be conscious of the water problem, both administrators and individuals, Çeber explained, “It is an issue that will affect the future of our country. The important thing is to take precautions before the disaster comes. This is the main issue we need to address. It is to take important steps about water before the drought starts.”