Bursa Metropolitan Municipality has implemented an important investment in line with its vision of an environmentally sensitive and sustainable future. Increasing the daily capacity of the Orhangazi Wastewater Treatment Plant from 17 thousand cubic meters to 51 thousand cubic meters and equipped with the latest technology 'advanced biological' treatment systems, the plant was opened with a ceremony. Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey emphasized that such investments are a victory for the environment and stated that the plant is an engineering marvel that can also meet the needs of tomorrow.
The ceremony was attended by Mayor Mustafa Bozbey, Orhangazi District Governor Zafer Karamehmetoğlu, Orhangazi Mayor Bekir Aydın, Gemlik Mayor Şükrü Deviren, Bursa Regional Manager of the Bank of Provinces Ayhan Kayatürk, BUSKİ General Manager Mehmet Ercihan Subaşıoğlu, political party representatives, municipality and BUSKİ managers, council members, chamber presidents, mukhtars and many citizens.
President Bozbey: “An Important Development Move That Takes Public Health Into Consideration”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey stated that the Orhangazi Wastewater Treatment Plant is a critical investment that eliminates a significant problem in the region. Stating that they brought this important project to Bursa by thinking about soil, water, nature and future generations, Mayor Bozbey said, “This project is not only a technical success for us, but also a strong indicator of our management approach that defends that living in a clean and healthy environment is a basic human right.”
Stating that the facility was planned considering the projections for 2050 and has now reached a capacity to serve 150 thousand people, President Bozbey said, “Our facility, equipped with ‘advanced biological’ treatment systems in accordance with EU standards, is an engineering success designed to meet the needs of tomorrow. With our Orhangazi Wastewater Treatment Facility, the current daily capacity of 17 thousand cubic meters has been increased to 51 thousand cubic meters. We are making another effective progress, especially in the fight against mucilage. The population of Orhangazi has exceeded 82 thousand. Our facility was designed to serve 150 thousand people. Now, every citizen in this region will be able to live safely in a healthy environment. This investment is an important development move that increases the quality of life in Orhangazi and directly protects public health. The financing of the project was provided entirely through the General Directorate of the Bank of Provinces with resources provided by the European Investment Bank. I would like to thank the Bank of Provinces for their contributions to the project. May our project be beneficial to the region and Bursa.”
Call to “Report to Us Where You See Illegal Discharge”
Reminding that Bursa has a coastline of approximately 155 kilometers, Mayor Bozbey stated that the mucilage problem started to show itself in 2007 and came to the fore more seriously in 2021 with the sea practically crying out. Emphasizing that advanced biological treatment facilities should be completed and put into operation on the entire coastline to protect the Sea of Marmara, President Bozbey said, “The sea will protect itself again by purifying domestic and industrial waste in advanced biological treatment facilities and then releasing it into the Sea of Marmara. Approximately 27 species left the Sea of Marmara. The reason is us. Nearly 30 million people live in Marmara. We have a great responsibility for not doing what should have been done for years. This facility is important for this. The meaning of the facilities to be built from now on is this great. We should understand the cry of the Sea of Marmara, which says 'I am dying, take care of me, if I die, no living thing can live inside me' in 2021. We know that mucilage is seen in many places and forms a layer under the sea. I also call out to our citizens. Let us know where you see illegal discharge. We will also conduct detection studies in the streams after Nilüfer Stream. They are playing with the future of our children. It is our greatest responsibility to punish those who harm the environment.”
“We Will Continue to Prioritize Our Nature, Our Health and Our Future”
Expressing that the Orhangazi, Gemlik and Iznik regions are of great importance in terms of history and agricultural production, Mayor Bozbey explained that they are closely aware of the problems of the neighborhoods in the region and that they are working especially to renew the water tanks. Emphasizing that whatever is necessary will be done regarding drinking water, Mayor Bozbey said, “Our concern is Bursa. Our concern is the people of Bursa. Minimizing the problems is our greatest duty. We are preparing and implementing projects with our teams day and night. However, we must now be more economical in water consumption. Due to climate change, the water levels in our dams have decreased compared to previous years. In the meantime, Karsak Creek, which has been talked about for many years, will no longer be talked about with our treatment facility. We will ensure that Karsak Creek flows cleanly by only cleaning it. In addition, the wastewater of pickle production facilities that have been causing environmental problems in Gedelek Neighborhood for years will be treated with this system. All of these actions are a victory for the environment. We see the promise of ‘Green Bursa’ as a responsibility. We fulfill this responsibility with science, common sense and strong collaborations. We will continue to produce projects that touch every neighborhood and every household. We will continue to prioritize our nature, health and future in every new investment.”
Orhangazi District Governor Zafer Karamehmetoğlu also wished the facility to be beneficial to the region and Bursa, stated that the negative effects on the Marmara Sea will be eliminated with this facility, and thanked the Metropolitan Municipality and BUSKİ for this important investment in the environment.
Orhangazi Mayor Bekir Aydın wished the Orhangazi Wastewater Treatment Plant, which will operate with an advanced biological system and whose capacity has been increased within the scope of the environmentally sensitive investments of Bursa Metropolitan Municipality and BUSKİ, to be beneficial. Aydın thanked those who contributed to the construction of the plant and expressed his satisfaction that pickle and olive waste, which harms Orhangazi and Lake Iznik and causes pollution in Gemlik Bay, will now be included in this treatment system.
Gemlik Mayor Şükrü Deviren also drew attention to the importance of the investment by reminding that the mucilage under the sea begins to show itself with the summer months and thanked Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mustafa Bozbey for his environmentalist approach and wished the facility to be beneficial.
CHP Orhangazi District Chairwoman Berna Çakır also expressed her satisfaction with the implementation of this important environmentally sensitive investment and thanked Bursa Metropolitan Municipality and BUSKİ.
Following the speeches, the facility was officially opened by Mayor Mustafa Bozbey and protocol members with a ribbon cutting. Mayor Bozbey and his delegation then toured the facility and received detailed information from the authorities. This important investment will play a critical role in Bursa's fight against environmental problems and its steps towards a cleaner future.
