Turkey's Van road works stall amid complaints as Şanlıurfa launches 240 million TL rural road project

In Van Province, road widening and asphalt works that began in 2022 under Governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez remain incomplete. Residents report that only 350‑400 m of the planned stretch has been paved, sidewalks are uneven or missing, and debris creates safety hazards for pedestrians, especially children, the elderly and disabled.

In Şanlıurfa Province, Mayor Mehmet Kasım Gülpınar inspected a 240 million TL investment covering roughly 44 km of new rural roads. The project includes a 16‑km, 6.5‑metre‑wide concrete road and a 28‑km hot‑asphalt stretch, linking Hilvan to surrounding districts and improving connectivity for about 20‑21 villages.

Both initiatives highlight the challenges and priorities of Turkey’s regional infrastructure development, with local officials emphasizing the role of roads in daily life and economic growth.