PM Üstel: "I Will Not Stand By While My Family Is Disturbed"

During a statement at the site, Üstel was accompanied by Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı, Director of the Highways Department Kazım Kafaoğlu, and Mayor of Lapta-Alsancak-Çamlıbel (LAÇ) Fırat Ataser.

Üstel: "They Are Unaware of the Military Battalion Below"

Recalling that the tender for the Alsancak Road was initiated in 2012, Üstel noted that the project was halted in 2013 when the National Unity Party (UBP) lost power.

"Since then, eight different governments have come and gone. Every political party has been in power, yet none took responsibility for this project. Together with our coalition partners, we are fulfilling our promises to the people. We are completing unfinished projects and implementing new ones with support from the Republic of Türkiye and local resources," he said.

Üstel criticized the protest staged in front of his house by the CTP Girne District Organization, rejecting allegations that the intersections were built due to the proximity of his residence and business establishments.

"They are unaware that there is a military battalion below. This is a region where the Security Forces frequently conduct mobilization exercises," he said.

Expressing discomfort over the demonstration in front of his home, Üstel stated:
"No one has the right to come to my doorstep and disturb my family. I will not allow this. If they had simply asked, they could have obtained the necessary information. Learning has no age limit."

Infrastructure Projects Continue Across Girne

Highlighting other ongoing projects, Üstel noted that work had started on the Çatalköy Road, the Lapta Health Center was nearing completion, the New Girne Hospital was set to open by the end of the year, and the indoor sports hall in Esentepe was almost finished. He emphasized that development projects were progressing throughout the Girne region.

Additionally, Üstel mentioned that five new generators had been added to the power plant, helping to address electricity shortages in the country.

Minister Arıklı: "The Protest Was Unjustified"

Minister of Public Works and Transport Erhan Arıklı criticized the opposition’s protest, calling it "unjustified and baseless."

Arıklı stated that the third phase of the Alsancak road project was ongoing and that the 3rd Battalion had requested an intersection arrangement to facilitate their entry and exit. He emphasized that the Prime Minister’s residence being in the area was merely a coincidence and urged for proper research before making accusations.

He also announced that cameras and lighting systems would be installed along the road by April, asking the public for patience as the long-overdue project neared completion.

Mayor Ataser: "This Is Not a Personal Project"

Mayor of LAÇ, Fırat Ataser, refuted claims that the road project was tailored for personal interests.

"The intersection is not just in front of the Prime Minister’s house; it is at a junction connecting multiple roads. The military requested an emergency exit, and local businesses also wanted an intersection between two roundabouts to improve accessibility," he explained.

While acknowledging the project's shortcomings, Ataser assured that efforts were ongoing to address them.

"A 40-year-old road is finally being built, solving a 40-year-old problem. Instead of focusing on this, making personal accusations is disheartening," he said.

Addressing concerns about traffic accidents, Ataser noted that construction and roadwork were still ongoing. He urged drivers to exercise caution and announced plans to install a temporary traffic camera system until the road was fully completed.