Organised by Eastern Mediterranean University in collaboration with the Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Association (CTBCA) and Cyprus Turkish Building Sub-Contractors Association (CTBSA), a workshop entitled “Sustainability in the Construction Sector” took place at Merit Hotel, Nicosia, at 10:00 a.m. on 26 June 2015. The one-day workshop focused on the specifications of the factors essential to the sustainability of the construction activities.
During the opening of the workshop, Cyprus International University Engineering Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Tahir Çelik provided technical and theoretical information about the construction sector as well as his recommendations for the sustainability of the construction sector in the TRNC. Following Çelik, Cyprus Turkish Building Sub-Contractors Association Chair Osman Amca talked about the construction sector within the country and provided information on how to make the aforesaid sector more developed and productive. Cyprus Turkish Building Contractors Association chair Cafer Gürcafer stated the important factors in the sustainability of the construction sector and put forth that they are ready to provide support in areas of need within the aforesaid sector.
During the workshop opening, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Ahmet Sözen stressed the importance of the construction sector as well as the workshop. Prof. Dr. Sözen also put forth that in the event of a peace agreement between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots in the near future, the construction sector will boom. In this respect, Prof. Dr. Sözen added that the sector needs to be ready for possible developments and increase their level of competition in the international arena.
TRNC Labour and Social Security Minister Aziz Gürpınar stressed the necessity of the provision of solutions to sectoral problems. Minister Gürpınar also added that their ministry pays utmost importance to the development of a qualified workforce. Talking about the protocol settled among EMU, CTBSA and CTBCA, Gürpınar put forth that the protocol will pose important contributions to the development of a qualified workforce within the country.
During his address, TRNC Minister of Public Works and Transportation Hasan Taçoy highlighted the importance of the construction sector in the development of a country. Taçoy also extended his appreciation to all those who contributed to the workshop.
Following the opening addresses, participants worked in groups and specified revisions needed in the construction sector.