Mayor rejects claims that Bafra beach huts block walkers’ paths
COMPLAINTS that beach huts sited on the water’s edge near the Artemis Hotel on Bafra beach were blocking walkers were rebuffed by Mehmetçik Mayor Cemil Sarıçizmeli this week.
Karpaz Protection Association spokesman Dursun Çebi posted pictures of curtained huts on wooden pallets on the waterline and called for civil society and the authorities to take action, commenting: “Where will the turtles nest now?”
The Dipkarpaz resident added: “No-one can do anything on the beaches in the Karpaz, but this is not classed as the Karpaz and is not under decree. These are rented to the Kaya Artemis Hotel by the municipality.
“We are calling for the sector to come under control with proper standards, plans and projects for beaches across the country.”
The Bafra Tourism Area was launched by Serdar Denktaş over 15 years ago as a new development of around 18 hotels with incentives for investment, but less than a quarter have been completed.
A municipality spokesman said: “The waterline is variable at this time of year and sometimes the wind, currents and the full moon cause it to be higher.”
Mr Sarıçizmeli said: “What a hypocritical society we have become! Every year the sun loungers and pavilions are put out on to the beach by the municipality and others and during these few hot months they remain near to or in the sea. These are temporary seasonal structures.
“No-one has moved them into the sea or prevented people walking or entering the sea. This is caused by the natural current and the sea at this time of year. Shall we close it all down and fire all the investors?
“All we are asking for is a little decency and knowledge. Am I asking for too much?”