Young entrepreneur from Lefkoşa speaks about business expenses

Young entrepreneur Berkan Bengihan criticised the high expenses faced by small business owners in Northern Cyprus, saying that this is why young people are increasingly seeking jobs in the public sector or leaving the country. According to Bengihan, just three months after opening his business, he paid 15 154 Turkish liras to set up a commercial establishment.

He also spoke about bills from the Lefkoşa Municipality. He was charged 5 327 liras for using 73 cubic metres of water, while municipal services amounted to another 1 629 liras. The entrepreneur noted that the water supply in the area is cut off almost every week, creating additional problems for his business.

Bengihan also complained about the cleaning of the surrounding area. According to him, he regularly has to clean up rubbish left by other people near his business. The entrepreneur separately pointed to the high cost of electricity. He said that even with just one air conditioner and one refrigerator on the premises, electricity bills remain substantial.

In addition to utility payments, business owners have to pay rent, accounting fees, fuel costs, taxes and other expenses. Bengihan also criticised the government, saying that he does not expect it to solve entrepreneurs’ problems. At the same time, he expressed disappointment with the work of the Lefkoşa Municipality and stressed the need to improve conditions for young people who want to remain in Northern Cyprus and start their own businesses.