Asphalt collapsed, potholes formed: Roads used by Erdoğan in Hatay deteriorated in 10 days

In Hatay, one of the cities most affected by the February 6 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, road improvement works across the city gained momentum ahead of the program held by AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on December 27. It was observed that the asphalt paving and repairs, particularly on the routes used by the President, deformed shortly after the visit.

DID NOT EVEN LAST 10 DAYS

About 10 days after the visit, deep potholes formed in several locations, most notably on 75th Year Boulevard. While it was stated that the potholes made vehicle traffic difficult, the images in question were shared by journalist Mustafa Dilek.

WORKS ACCELERATED BEFORE THE VISIT

It was stated that work on the city's main arteries in particular had visibly intensified days before President Erdoğan's lottery drawing and inspection program in Hatay. However, it drew attention that the repaired roads deteriorated again after the program was completed.

REACTION FROM NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS

Neighborhood residents state that the road surface, especially on Fatih Street and some other streets, was filled with potholes again in a short time. While it is emphasized that transportation has become difficult for drivers and pedestrians, criticisms are being voiced that the work carried out was not permanent.

POWER OUTAGES ALSO ON THE AGENDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Citizens living in the region are demanding that infrastructure and road works be carried out in a more durable and long-term manner. Different problems were also highlighted on social media. Users shared the following remarks: “Electricity was cut off throughout the summer in Samandağ, Hatay. In these cold first days of 2026, there is no electricity again. People are literally freezing in their homes. Those ‘journalists’ who went to Antakya for a show and tweeted ‘Antakya is shining bright’ are being remembered a lot in these moments.”

INTENSIVE PREPARATIONS BEFORE THE VISIT

Extensive preparations had been made in the city ahead of the key delivery ceremony organized for the residences to be handed over to earthquake survivors by President Erdoğan. In areas where people had been struggling with mud and dust for months, roads were paved and streets were organized in a short time. It was also observed that some buildings under construction and bridges still being built were covered with tarpaulins so they would not be seen. After the visit, it was seen that the roads in some areas returned to their former state.

News Source: 12punto