Demir said there are no specific criteria in the sector for determining its players. “Anyone who wants to can work as a contractor. Furthermore there are no criteria to measure the qualifications of an architect or engineer.” He affirmed that definite changes will be made to this situation by introducing some norms for those who want to operate in the sector. Building inspections will be expanded countrywide, the minister stated. Contractors failing to comply with the requirements of the construction project will not be able to continue working as constructors in Turkey and will not be granted any building permits until they rectify their mistakes, Demir stated, adding that this rule will be put into action by 2012.
Demir was speaking yesterday at the general assembly of the All Contractors Federation (TMF). Tahir Tellioğlu, head of the federation, criticized the Housing Development Administration of Turkey (TOKİ) for causing unfair competition. Because of the opportunities provided to the TOKİ, other construction firms lagged behind, he said, stressing the encouragement of the private sector. “We urge the government to resolve the problems preventing us from moving forward so we can help Turkey develop further,” said Tellioğlu.
