Sucuoğlu: AI-Powered Traffic Cameras Have Caused Significant Losses to the State

Appearing on the BRT programme “Açık Konuşalım” (Let’s Speak Openly), Minister of Public Works and Transport Faiz Sucuoğlu made important statements on transport infrastructure, ports, highways, traffic cameras, internet infrastructure and current affairs.

Stating that he had encountered numerous problems when he took over the ministry, Sucuoğlu said they had acted quickly to address difficulties, particularly in maritime transport.

“THERE HAVE BEEN LOSSES TO THE STATE FROM AI-POWERED TRAFFIC CAMERAS”

Responding to questions about whether the AI-powered traffic cameras were operational, Sucuoğlu said some cameras were working while others were not.

Stating that he had carefully examined the Court of Auditors’ report on the issue, Sucuoğlu said it detailed the deficiencies, the measures that needed to be taken and the actions that should not have been taken.

Asked whether the traffic cameras had caused financial losses to the state, Sucuoğlu replied, “There have been significant losses to the state, yes, that is correct.”

“KYRENIA HARBOUR WILL BE FULLY LIT BY THURSDAY”

Commenting on the current condition of the harbours in Kyrenia and Famagusta, Sucuoğlu said both had serious shortcomings.

Stating that Famagusta Harbour was dark when he first visited it, Sucuoğlu said the lighting work had been completed within a short period.

Noting that asphalt work was needed in some parts of the harbour, Sucuoğlu said these deficiencies would also be addressed in the coming days.

Describing the situation at Kyrenia Harbour as worse, Sucuoğlu announced that lighting work had begun there.

Sucuoğlu said approximately 36 LED lighting poles were planned to be installed and that the harbour would be fully lit from Thursday once the work was completed.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the condition of the waiting lounges and toilets at Kyrenia Harbour, Sucuoğlu noted that passengers using the Kyrenia–Anamur services sometimes had to wait in these areas for hours.

“It needs to be brought up to a standard befitting us. It is shameful and unacceptable,” Sucuoğlu said.

Stating that they planned to cooperate with shipowners and companies operating at the harbour to renovate the waiting lounges, Sucuoğlu stressed that he attached importance to cooperation between the public and private sectors.

“INVESTMENT IN PORTS INCREASES STATE REVENUE”

Responding to questions about the possible privatisation of the ports, Sucuoğlu said his primary goal was to establish two usable ports worthy of the TRNC.

Stating that the decision on privatisation rested with the government, Sucuoğlu said improving the ports’ current condition could increase the revenue the state would receive in a potential privatisation process.

“The better the investment you make, the more the state will receive from privatisation. The worse you leave the ports, the less you will be able to obtain when privatising them,” Sucuoğlu said.

“WE RESOLVED MARITIME TRANSPORT PROBLEMS IN 10–12 DAYS”

Reminding that the country was an island and that most imported goods were transported by sea, Sucuoğlu said one of the large vessels being taken out of service had caused serious supply problems.

Explaining that they encountered this problem when they took office, Sucuoğlu said that although existing shipowners had arranged additional sailings, capacity remained insufficient.

Stating that they had worked quickly to resolve the issue, Sucuoğlu said the difficulties in maritime transport had been addressed within approximately 10–12 days.

Noting that new vessels had also begun operating, Sucuoğlu said the increase in passenger transport capacity had had a positive effect on ticket prices.

Sucuoğlu said he had been informed that ferry tickets had fallen from 2,500 TL to 1,900 TL and added that increased capacity in maritime transport could also affect airfares.

Reminding that Ercan–Adana flight tickets had risen to as much as 22,000 TL during the crisis, Sucuoğlu said prices could fall as demand decreased.

“VESSELS WITHOUT TURK LOYDU APPROVAL CANNOT SAIL”

Responding to a question about whether inspections had been increased following a maritime accident, Sucuoğlu said vessels were inspected by Türk Loydu.

Emphasising that vessels would not be permitted to sail without obtaining the required certificate of compliance, Sucuoğlu said inspections would be carried out with the utmost care.

Explaining that inspections extended to gas stoves on board vessels, Sucuoğlu said ships that failed to meet the required standards would not be granted permission to operate.

“THE CARGO ISSUE AT ERCAN AIRPORT IS CLOSE TO BEING RESOLVED”

Making statements about shortcomings at Ercan Airport, Minister of Public Works and Transport Faiz Sucuoğlu said the airport presented a good appearance despite some problems.

Stating that the free parking period at the airport had been extended from 15 minutes to 30 minutes, Sucuoğlu said work was also under way to resolve problems affecting cargo transport.

Sucuoğlu said airlines had not transported cargo for months on safety grounds but noted that the problem had largely been resolved.

He said the relevant inspections would be carried out again and that cargo transport would begin if approval was granted.

Pointing out that the airport runway also needed to be refurbished, Sucuoğlu said they were encouraging work in this direction.

“THE ERCAN–ISKELE ROAD CANNOT BE FIXED WITH PATCHWORK”

Addressing problems on the highways, Sucuoğlu said the road between Ercan Junction and İskele had deteriorated significantly.

Explaining that they had inspected the road, Sucuoğlu said it was no longer possible to repair it simply by patching the surface.

“There is nothing left to patch. It has been patched everywhere,” Sucuoğlu said, adding that rebuilding the road was among their objectives.

Listing the reconstruction of the Ercan–İskele road among the projects planned for the next term in government, Sucuoğlu said there were also serious maintenance deficiencies on roads between villages and smaller settlements.

Stating that the eastern and western road projects being carried out by the Highways Department of the Republic of Turkey were continuing, Sucuoğlu said work on the mountain road was also progressing.

Sucuoğlu said the mountain road project was planned for completion next year and noted that teams were continuing maintenance and repair work on older roads.

“WE AIM TO REPLACE THE BARRIERS BY THE END OF DECEMBER”

Providing information on efforts to improve road safety, Sucuoğlu said damaged barriers on the Kyrenia road were being cleared and replaced with new ones.

He said they aimed to repair damaged barriers throughout the TRNC and install new barriers wherever necessary by the end of December.

Stating that highway teams were identifying problem areas and taking action, Sucuoğlu said asphalt was expected to arrive from Turkey in the coming months. If it did, he added, maintenance work would be accelerated.