In the 3rd hearing of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) trial, Ekrem İmamoğlu took the floor following the testimony of witness Kenan Aracı to explain the history of the cultural center and marketplace project realized in Beylikdüzü.
Drawing attention to the conditional donation made at the beginning of the project in question, İmamoğlu asked Aracı whether there was a condition that the land would be returned to the firm if the investment did not materialize. Aracı confirmed this information.
Stating that they invited them to collaborate to build a cultural center and marketplace in one of the poorest neighborhoods in the region, Ekrem İmamoğlu explained the process that took place between Beyaz İnşaat and Asoy İnşaat in the later stages of the project.
“They met to address Beyaz İnşaat's lack of motivation”
Expressing that Beyaz İnşaat had lost motivation due to delays in the process, İmamoğlu said that a subcontractor solidarity was formed between the two firms for the work to progress.
IMM Mayor İmamoğlu said, “Beyaz İnşaat was a firm that built in luxury locations. They met to address their lack of motivation for that project. In fact, with my encouragement, they made a protocol and the work proceeded.”
Aracı explained that they did not change the contract during this process and that they did not see any legal objection to Beyaz İnşaat using Asoy İnşaat as a subcontractor.
Stating that Beyaz İnşaat could not make payments to Asoy İnşaat due to the payment difficulties it was experiencing, Aracı said that for this reason, a new arrangement was made between the parties.
Aracı stated that with the addendum made after the delays, some independent units were assigned to Asoy İnşaat, and that their relationship with Asoy İnşaat was limited to a contractual subcontractor relationship.
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Cultural Center and indoor marketplace were built
İmamoğlu explained that after the agreement between the firms, construction gained momentum, and the Beylikdüzü Municipality began the marketplace construction during the term of Mehmet Murat Çalık as mayor.
Stating that after the rough construction was completed, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality undertook the finishing construction works with a protocol, İmamoğlu said that as a result of the project, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Cultural Center, the indoor marketplace, and the indoor parking lot were completed.
İmamoğlu stated that the housing project was also completed by the contractor and subcontractors and delivered to the rights holders.
Witness Kenan Aracı, on the other hand, announced that there were some deficiencies in the deliveries and that they had sent notices to Beyaz İnşaat and Asoy İnşaat due to problems in social and common areas. Aracı stated that although attempts were made to rectify the deficiencies, no results had been obtained yet, but that the residences and social areas were in operation.
“You came here like a blessing from God”
Continuing his speech, İmamoğlu said that he did not recognize witness Kenan Aracı at first in the courtroom, but remembered him when he learned that Aracı was a former national basketball player.
Emphasizing that Aracı being heard as a witness was important for him, İmamoğlu said, “You came here like a blessing from God. Because an opportunity has arisen for us to discuss the essence of the matter with the person truly involved in the work.”
Stating that someone had previously claimed to have held a meeting with him at a shopping mall, but that he did not remember such a meeting, İmamoğlu stated that they held meetings with Kenan Aracı, not with an employee from Beyaz İnşaat.
Upon Aracı confirming that they held meetings with Beyaz İnşaat, İmamoğlu argued that the commercial transaction in question also yielded results for the public good.
“The public space remained in the public domain”
Explaining the essence of the project, İmamoğlu stated that the area brought to the public through a conditional donation continues to serve the public, and spoke as follows:
“Therefore, Mr. Kenan, a commercial transaction took place here. But at the same time, the public's area was evaluated. A public space that was about to slip out of our hands by being finished on time remained in the public domain.
May God be pleased with you and your firm as well. You gave this to the public conditionally on time, and we brought it to a good conclusion. And we have brought a cultural center to the heart of one of the poorest neighborhoods of Istanbul, of Beylikdüzü.”
Thanking witness Aracı, İmamoğlu said, “I am very happy to have clarified this matter with you. Thank you for taking the trouble to come here.”
News Source: 12punto
