Five regional projects to provide 2 million jobs


Forestry and Water Affairs Minister Veysel Eroğlu announced that 2 million people would be employed when projects with an investment of TL 137 billion ($37.75 billion), covering 48 provinces and five regions, are completed in 2019. Informing cabinet members during the last two meetings, Minister Eroğlu underlined that these projects will contribute approximately TL 42 billion to the economy annually. Along with projects to provide 37.7 billion kilowatt-hours of energy support, drinking water problems in the provinces will be solved and the proportion of forests and green spaces will increase.

Eroğlu said they would not leave a single city from Aydın to Şırnak, from Muğla to Bingöl untouched, pointing out that these enormous investments are unprecedented in Turkish history. 

"In particular, we will work with all we've got to overcome the ill luck of our people living in the east and southeast. From city centers to villagers, we have done what's required in the name of service, and we will continue to do so," Eroğlu said.

Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP): By the end of 2019, 610 facilities (drinking water facilities, lakes and irrigation facilities) will be built at a cost of TL 33.6 billion. Twenty-six hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) will produce 7.1 billion kilowatt-hours of energy. When GAP is completed, it will contribute $4.9 billion to the economy annually and provide 1.27 million jobs.

Eastern Anatolia Project (DAP): With an investment of TL 28.4 billion, 130 HPPs will be built, and 13.9 billion kilowatt-hours of energy will be produced annually. DAP will annually contribute $4.19 billion to the economy, and 890,000 people will be provided with employment opportunities.

Aegean Development Project (EGEGEP): Approximately 2,065 facilities will be built with an investment of TL 28 billion; 420,000 hectares of land will be irrigated, increasing agricultural revenue by TL 3.5 billion. To generate 1.67 billion kilowatt-hours of energy per year, 33 HPPs will be built.

Konya Plain Project (KOP): TL 16.2 billion will be invested to build 853 facilities. Forestry facilities will be activated, and 415 million saplings will be planted in an area of 490,000 hectares. A total of 221,000 hectares of land will be irrigated, and agricultural revenue will be increased by TL 1 billion annually. Approximately 32 HPPs will produce 3.1 billion kilowatt-hours of energy per year.

Mediterranean Development Project (AKDENİZGEP): Furthermore, 591,000 facilities will be built with an investment of TL 31.3 billion, irrigating 490,000 hectares of land, which will increase agricultural income by TL 4.6 billion per year. Also, 136 HPPs will be built, and 13 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity will be generated per year.