PM's Dam Openings Resent Environmentalists

PM Erdogan attended the joint opening of 112 new projects--an initiative inspired by 12.12.12--including dams and hydroelectric plants this morning.

In the opening ceremony, PM Erdogan spontaneously announced Musabeyli Dam's name to be replaced with Cemil Çiçek, a Yozgat-born deputy and current head of Turkish Parliament.

According to Wikipedia, the dam was named after Musabey who immigrated to Yozgat province from Maraş. Erdogan also announced two other dam names to replaced with Turgut Özal (former president) and Recai Kutan (conservative politician).

Meanwhile, Turkey's Greens and the Left Party of the Future said hydroelectric plants that restrain water sources were no longer popular in the world due to its costs on environment and health.

"The government is opening a new dam project in Artvin. When it will be completed the valley surrounding the area will disappear. The neighbor rivers will turn into lakes and agricultural zones will suffer. This has already forced hundreds to immigrate to other cities," the party said in a statement.

The statement said the government destroyed several rich areas in Anatolia in the excuse of producing electricity. "And now they are organizing opening ceremonies as if they are challenging the people. We will protect our land and future that the government is trying to sacrifice." (NV)