Mansur Yavaş responds to 'water' criticisms: 'Electricity prices were hiked by 680 percent'

Responding to the "water price" criticisms directed at him by the government wing, Yavaş said, "Those who hiked electricity prices by 680 percent are now asking us to provide water at a discount." 

Throughout our time in office, we have made it a top priority to keep water prices in line with the purchasing power of our citizens. Data from past periods clearly reveals the truth on this matter.

During the Melih Gökçek era, the price per cubic meter of water was at the 1.7 dollar level. Mustafa…

— Mansur Yavaş 2024 (@mansuryavas23) January 5, 2025

The post Yavaş shared on his social media account regarding water prices is as follows:  

PRICES ARE BELOW 2010-2018 LEVELS

Throughout our time in office, we have made it a top priority to keep water prices in line with the purchasing power of our citizens. Data from past periods clearly reveals the truth on this matter.

During the Melih Gökçek era, the price per cubic meter of water was at the 1.7 dollar level. During the Mustafa Tuna era, this price continued at the 1.5 dollar level until the election. With the regulation made in recent days, the new water tariff has been set at 1 dollar per cubic meter. This figure is even below the price levels between 2010 and 2018. The tax collected on water is already paid to the government. Not only do we not collect this tax, but we also do not find it right to be blamed for the tax that is collected. At least do not blame us for the tax you collect.

NEW DISCOUNT INITIATIVE

While our citizens receiving social assistance in Ankara use water up to 10 cubic meters for only 1 TL; families of martyrs and veterans, our disabled citizens, and our university students benefit from a 50 percent discount tariff application. Furthermore, a new discount initiative has been launched for families earning minimum wage whom we have included under the scope of social assistance.

DECREASED BY 55-60 PERCENT

In the 2010-2018 period, a minimum wage earner had to spend an average of 4.2 percent of their salary for 10 cubic meters of water. However, in the 2019-2024 period, this rate declined to 1.9 percent. Finally, with the new regulations made, this rate has fallen to the 1.64 percent level. This means that the burden of water bills on our minimum wage-earning citizens has been reduced by 55-60 percent.

THOSE WHO HIKED ELECTRICITY BY 680 PERCENT

However, there is an important fact that should not be ignored in this process: in the 2019-2024 period, electricity prices were hiked by 680 percent. Those who hiked electricity prices are now asking us to provide water at a discount. What kind of sense of justice is this?

News Source: 12punto