Roads, car parks and pavements 
The roads in and around Kalkan are undoubtedly improving, year on year.  It is not that long ago that Kalamar Road was a dirt track, and the road down to the harbour was washed away whenever there was a severe storm.

Thankfully, the new Belediye administration has continued what had already begun under the previous Mayor.  Several roads have been resurfaced and improved over the last 18 months, in the town centre, Kalamar, Kışla, Ortaalan, and more recently in Kızıltaş.

In town there is a new road that joins Kalamar Road with Iskele Sokak (the hill leading down to the harbour), and steps have also been built for pedestrians.

In front of the Moonlight bar, the corner as you go down Mutafa Kocakaya Cadessi has now got a new pavement, with steps, which is a much safer for ladies in their finest evening footwear. 

Last year, the top of Mustafa Kocakaya Cadessi, (near the PTT), was made safer with the introduction of a central refuge, to keep traffic away from the shops and restaurants on one side of the road, and this year the path from near to the Kleo Bar, round to the town beach has been block-paved.

Another brand new concrete road has been laid, connecting Nergis Sokak and Gül Sokak.  In Kızıltaş, Istiklal Cadessi has been completely concreted, and a new road built along the side of the Arçelik shop, at the traffic lights junction.

This winter, the work will continue to improve Kalkan's roads, and that will include completing the new dual carriageway into town, from the traffic lights, down towards Ziraat Bank.  Work will also continue on local service roads that will join the new D400 main highway.

New car parking areas have been opened up, including an area opposite Yapı Kredi bank, opposite the Lounge Bistro, opposite La Sera Wellbeing on Kalamar Road, and adjacent to the football pitch in town.  Parking space has also been opened up on the road leading to Yalı Beach Club and Caretta Caretta.

Street furniture and signs
New benches have been installed in various locations around town, and also new stone and concrete seating on the harbour breakwater, facing the town. 

Lighting has been installed in the harbour area, making it safer for pedestrians and more attractive to look at.  New direction signs have also been strategically placed across town. 

For the first time, rubbish bins have been placed in a number of locations, including a number of recycling bins.  The Belediye has also planted a number of flowers, bushes and trees - for example in the roundabout in the town centre.

New vehicles and equipment
Kalkan now has a new fire engine, a new ambulance, and a new street cleaning machine. 

These facilities make a real contribution to improving health and safety in Kalkan.  The previous fire engine and ambulance had seen better days, and replacing them was an expensive, but necessary step.

For information, there are also plans to recruit a nurse, and to bring in another ambulance (112 service) next year, complete with trained paramedics.

Water supply
The Belediye has invested a considerable amount of money in upgrading the pumps and pipes that provide Kalkan with water.  The infrastructure they inherited was not in good shape, and this was one of the Mayor's priorities when he got to work after the election.

The system is still prone to outages from time to time, but they are not as frequent as they used to be.  The worst water cut in 2010 was caused by work on the D400, and left Kışla residents high and dry for long periods. 

It is now possible to pay your water bills automatically through a local bank.

Rubbish collection
The bin lorries have been repaired and adapted to automatically lift, and empty the new large 'square bins' that were recently purchased.  (The lorries also now have some snazzy views of Kalkan on their sides).

These new silver coloured bins have replaced a number of old oil drum bins, which were susceptible to being turned over by street dogs, with the contents strewn all over the road.  We believe there are still some of these new bins available, so if you want your old oil drum to be replaced, why not go and speak with the Belediye.

By the way, our experience is that the bin men do a fantastic job - especially when they have to deal with the aftermath of upturned bins.  And unlike some countries, you don't get threatened with a fine if your bin lid is open by half an inch!

Kent Konseyi
The Belediye reintroduced the Kent Konseyi.  To read about this click here: KTLN article on the Kent Konseyi

Beach facilities
As well as sorting out the problem with the beach cafe, the Belediye has improved the shower and toilet facilities behind the town beach.  It has recently purchased life saving equipment, which is all part of its drive to achieve Blue Flag status for the beach in 2011.

It is planned to deploy the equipment, and have a fully trained life guard on duty in time for the 2011 season.

Every year, prior to the start of the season, the Belediye uses a mechanical excavator to reshape the town beach, to undo the work of the winter storms.  This is essential if visitors are to be able to make use of the sunbeds, and get in and out of the sea without too much difficulty.

Local dolmuş service
One of the most popular developments must surely be the recent introduction of a local dolmuş service in and around Kalkan town.  Despite some opposition from local taxi drivers, this circular service has been operating successfully for a couple of months.  The Belediye was instrumental in establishing this new service.

Admittedly, we have heard that the bus has failed to turn up on the odd occasion, which is clearly frustrating for anyone waiting at the roadside, but on the whole, the comments that KTLN has heard have been positive.