Struggle of Local Administrations with the Epidemic (1):
“Istanbul Aid and Coordination Center (IYKM) Provides Coordination”

In this file titled “The Struggle of Local Administrations with the Epidemic”, we tackle the policies of local governments adopt to combat the coronavirus that includes the civilian actors, as well as the discussions on the ongoing donation discussions between the central government and local governments (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Gaziantep) . In the first part of our file, where we will also include the evaluations of Elif Avcı from Yereliz Association, we’ve talked to Özlem Göçer, the coordinator of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s (IBB) Aid and Coordination Unit.

In the fight against coronavirus, local administrations also have important responsibilities besides central government. Despite their limited resources, local governments take fast actions and implement successful practices. Of course, the contribution of donations to local governments and civil initiatives cannot be denied in these practices.

Many municipalities are implementing policies that sometimes differ within the limits determined by the local administration and within the limits determined by the central government against the COVID-19 outbreak in Turkey. Some cities can stand out on the agenda with some innovative applications.

As a matter of fact, in line with the demands of the municipalities, a new regulation (düzenleme) was made in order to provide convenience to the municipalities and citizens in combating the epidemic. However, the fight against coronavirus also faces disputes on donations caused by local governments and central government. As known, the Presidency has launched an aid campaign titled “Biz Bize Yeteriz Türkiyem”. Then, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issued a circular (genelge) and stopped the aid campaigns launched by the municipalities on the grounds that the approval of the governor was not received.

İBB: “We Will Succeed Together” 

First of all, we will review the applications of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality for the combat against coronavirus. A new website (koronavirüs.ibb.istanbul) of IBB was launched which brings together the activities and information on combating Corona. On this page, there are up-to-date decisions made by IBB as well as social aid links, local government studies and volunteer work of IBB.

The aid campaign of IBB called “We Will Succeed Together”, was halted with the circular issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. IBB filed a cancellation lawsuit (iptal davası) against the discontinued aid campaign and the blocked account decision. In addition, the Ministry of Internal Affairs launched an investigation against the IBB President Ekrem Imamoglu and Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Mansur Yavas for their donation campaigns. IBB insists that the donation it collects is legal (yasal). 

A new unit called Istanbul Aid and Coordination Center (IYKM) (İstanbul Yardımlaşma ve Koordinasyon Merkezi ) was established within the body of IBB to combat the epidemic. In addition to IYKM, a Scientific Committee was established within IBB to manage the process in the most accurate way.

İBB President Ekrem İmamoğlu said: “IYKM will take daily life-facilitating measures for many groups such as healthcare professionals, those living alone, low-income people, those who lost their jobs, students, patients, patient relatives, and those who have to work overtime during this period. Applications will be developed as the crisis progresses. Supports will be made, volunteer work will be coordinated.”

We’ve talked to Özlem Göçer, the Coordinator of IYKM that has been determined by İBB as the base to fight the epidemic, about their approach on combating Corona in Istanbul. Göçer said that the Scientific Board includes wide NGO participation as well as experts, and that IBB had shaped its explanations based on science and transparency in line with the suggestions of the board. IYKM Coordinator addresses Istanbul residents and says: “Let us be patient for a while, let’s stay at home. We Will Succeed Together.”

IBB’s Base To Fight The Epidemic With Corona…

Why did IBB need to establish the Aid and Coordination Unit?

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, which poses a serious threat in the world and in our country, the need to establish a coordination center for this purpose has emerged in the Yenikapı Eurasia Show Center and the Istanbul Aid and Coordination Center (IYKM) was established.

Among the most important reasons for the establishment of IYKM, Istanbul having a larger population than many countries as a giant metropolitan city of 16 million, many institutions that are the lifeblood of the economy operating from Istanbul, human circulation being high, and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality being a very large organization and the multi-dimensional struggle against coronavirus can be listed.

In this context, IYKM will be the center of all meetings to be held in Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality regarding COVID-19, and all statements made by the Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor at the highest level will be made from this center. These statements will be transparent and will be based on science and evidence.

What are the duties of the Aid and Coordination Center? What responsibilities does this unit take in combating Corona?

The Scientific Board of 20 people within the body of IYKM aimed a wide NGO participation among Istanbul and the participation of valuable experts on the subject. The Scientific Committee which previously held its meetings under the Directorate of Health, started to hold its meetings in this center as of the 25th of March. After discussing the agenda of the Scientific Committee, the results are reported and presented to the relevant supreme boards and to Mr. Ekrem İmamoğlu. The Scientific Board is a board consisting of Istanbul Association of Infectious Diseases Experts and valuable academics who have a voice in their fields.

In this sense, IYKM closely follows the developments both on a national and global scale, quickly takes its actions and develops its measures in the light of evidence-based scientific data under the leadership of academics in the Scientific Committee.

Activities and case reports related to the units of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality are regularly delivered to IYKM, and the activities that were and to be carried out are coordinated. As a matter of fact, one representative from each of the units undertaking the main duties within the scope of the Coronavirus studies of IBB also takes part in the Executive Board established in the Aid Center, and thus rapid action is taken regarding the instant developments encountered.

In addition, IBB is planning an aid campaign for the elderly people who live their lives in isolation and who have lost their jobs in the process of epidemic, and who have fallen into socio-economic deprivation within the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, which is on the main agenda of the world, Efforts to manage the logistics processes of these aids will also be carried out here from the Aid and Coordination Center.

“IYKM Provides Coordination Among IBB Units”

Can you tell us what kind of policy you follow as the Center of the COVID-19 struggle of IBB?

The works carried out by the IBB units of the Aid and Coordination Center which are widely organized and which provide services to millions of citizens, provide coordination between the IBB units on issues such as methods on combating Coronavirus and the health and safety of employees.

It shares information about the activities carried out by the Governorship of Istanbul and its affiliated units. In addition, coordinated works are carried out to work jointly with the Governorship and other district municipalities and to use public resources effectively and efficiently while avoiding repeating services. The emerging needs in the fight against Coronavirus are evaluated and solutions are implemented together with the relevant units of the public authorities.

What do you plan to do in case of increasing cases in the following days?

In case of increasing cases, we have made suggestions to the Ministry of Health on the preparation of new places that would become the most essential areas in Istanbul which provide health services. In this context, if the Ministry demands and approves, three locations are ready for the establishment of field hospitals which are Maltepe Event Area, Yenikapı Event Area and Gürpınar Aquaculture Marketplace.

In addition, we’ve initiated an aid campaign within the framework of the prediction of the worsening of the socio-economic status of our citizens due to the prolonged struggle and due to the mandatory restrictions. The organization and coordination of the aid campaign will be carried out through the Coordination and Aid Center.

Do you have contacts and cooperation with non-governmental organizations? Do you have any calls for them?

As I mentioned above, we are in cooperation and exchange of ideas with NGOs that carry out important activities in the health sector, especially within our Science Board. Apart from that, we continue our struggle hand in hand with our NGOs and volunteers during our aid and donation campaign. We care about their contributions. “This virus is not stronger than the measures we take or than our unity. We Will Succeed Together.”

Do you have any collaborations with civil initiatives and with other voluntary organizations?

Of course we do, we care about and expect everyone’s contribution in this struggle. Our volunteers will take an active role especially in our aid campaign.

How can citizens reach you? What can they do in terms of helping you and getting help from you?

They can get information through communication channels where citizens can access relevant information, and they may reach us on our website (web sitemizden) to make a contribution or from 444 00 93 or from our 0552 153 00 34 WhatsApp line.

 “We Should Be Patient With The Struggle And Stay At Home”

Do you have any messages for the residents of Istanbul?

Lastly, we are in a struggle that we cannot see through or know the limits of, both nationally and as whole humanity. In this struggle we all have duties. First, let’s listen to the warnings made by the authorities. In this context, I would like to repeat the call to “stay at home”. This is very important, the success of our struggle will be directly proportional to people staying at home. Let’s stay at home, be patient for a while and stop the spread of the epidemic all together. In addition, let’s help the poor as the wealthy, help elderly as young people in accordance with the spirit of the upcoming month of Ramadan during these difficult days, and we will get through this process together. “We Will Succeed Together”