Oğuz: MAX Project Will Enable Real-Time Population Counts

Speaking on Kıbrıs Postası TV’s Sabah Postası programme hosted by Gökhan Altıner, Oğuz said current data allows for planning and projects without the need for individual counts, questioning why the opposition did not conduct such counts during the previous “quadruple government” period.

Oğuz also outlined the MAX (Spatial Address Registration) project, which will be implemented in cooperation with municipalities to keep citizens’ address records up to date, enabling real-time population counts.

Addressing unpaid wages in cooperatives, Oğuz noted that the problem has been recurring for a long time, and even if salaries are paid today, similar issues could arise again. He said many cooperatives, including Koop-Süt, have lost their role as non-profit, market-balancing institutions. “Koop-Süt doesn’t just set floor prices — it sets ceiling prices. Producers often wait for Koop-Süt to determine prices before selling at lower rates,” he said.

Oğuz emphasised that the sustainability of cooperatives requires regular meetings with all stakeholders. While current cooperatives are not generating profits, he stressed that declaring them bankrupt is “the easiest option.”

On rural land allocation, Oğuz said beneficiaries were selected without regard to party affiliation. He responded to opposition criticism about distributing plots before infrastructure completion and close to elections, saying no decisions were made based on political membership. He also noted ongoing work to provide young people with desired housing opportunities, including social housing and credit projects, across all districts including Nicosia.

Regarding population data, Oğuz reiterated that the Statistics Office is the authoritative source and provides reliable information. He highlighted that the MAX project will require citizens to register their latest addresses, allowing municipalities to maintain real-time, up-to-date population records.