Constructed with the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, in the beginning It would be transferred to the public in 2024However, with the statement of Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdülkadir Uraloğlu, this date to 2028 This development has brought the debate on the transition guarantees and budgetary impacts of BOT projects back to the agenda.
Reasons for Extending the Bridge’s Transfer Date to the Public
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdülkadir Uraloğlu explained the reason for the extension of the transfer date work increase and project revisions However, this justification was not found satisfactory by the opposition and the citizens. Transition guarantees Concerns are expressed that the burden on the budget will continue to increase.
Guaranteed Tolls and the Burden on the Budget
- Contract Fee: According to the contract, the toll for the bridge was set at $6.
- Announced Fee: The ministry announced the toll as $3.
- Reactions: CHP Erzincan Deputy Mustafa Sarıgül criticized this inconsistency and claimed that the public was misled.
Discussions on Build-Operate-Transfer Models
Although the BOT model is an important tool in financing large infrastructure projects, transition guarantees Factors such as these increase the impact of project costs on the public budget. Passage guarantees on bridges, highways and tunnels, resulting in payments of billions of lira for unused infrastructure.
Why Are Transitional Guarantees Being Discussed?
- The Burden on Citizens: Payments made from the budget for unused bridges and highways increase criticism about the efficient use of public resources.
- Extension of Transfer Period: Time extensions delay the cost benefits of transferring to the public.
- Lack of Transparency: Failure to share sufficient information about transition guarantees and contract details creates distrust in the public.
The Future of Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
Minister Uraloğlu, after the transfer process of the bridge may be re-tendered However, the possibility of transferring operating rights back to the private sector raises questions about the public benefit of these projects.
Re-tender Scenarios
- Continuing to the Private Sector: Giving the operating rights of the bridge back to the private sector.
- Public Enterprise: After the transfer, the bridge will be operated entirely by the public.
Both scenarios have advantages and disadvantages. Private sector operations may strain budgets with a guaranteed income model, while public operations may be more cost-effective but may pose risks in terms of efficient operation.
Citizens' Demands
Public opinion is calling for transparency of BOT projects and more efficient use of public resources. Citizens are uncomfortable with the financial burden of transition guarantees and want this process to be carried out in a more accountable manner.
Citizens' Demands:
- Transparency: Sharing contract details with the public.
- Fair Tolls: Revision of guaranteed tolls.
- Budget Efficiency: More efficient use of public resources.
Discussions on the BOT Model Will Continue
The transfer of the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge to the public has been postponed to 2028, shows that BOT projects need to be re-evaluated in terms of both the burden on the budget and the benefit to the public. Transition guarantees and business models Discussions on this issue will be an important reference point in future planning of such projects.
A transparent and fair management model that will meet the expectations of citizens should stand out as a sustainable solution not only for the bridge but for all BOT projects.
