Malatya Mayor Reports Recovery Progress as Ahbap Housing Delivery Stalls

Malatya Metropolitan Mayor Sami Er told an AFAD coordination meeting that the city is in a "very good position" to heal the earthquake’s damage. He highlighted joint efforts with the president, ministries and local officials, and cited projects such as removing temporary containers, building a new double‑lane road to İkizce and preparing a second viaduct to improve transport.

At the same time, the Ahbap Association’s permanent‑housing programme for quake‑affected families in Battalgazi and Arapgir has drawn criticism. Residents say that although 264 homes are finished, delivery has been delayed because of missing gas infrastructure and reported defects in roofs, moisture control and utilities. Victims are urging a detailed public account of how the alleged $158 million in donations has been spent.