Girne’s population is around 150,000–160,000, mayor Murat Şenkul says

Girne Mayor Murat Şenkul said that the city’s actual population, in his estimation, is around 150–160 thousand people. According to Şenkul, the approximate population can be determined based on the amount of waste collected, water consumption, and the number of water meters and households.

Speaking about the actual population of Northern Cyprus as a whole, the mayor noted that it changes depending on the season. During the busiest periods, the population can reach 900 thousand, while in quieter periods it stands at around 800 thousand. Şenkul also criticised the situation involving different population estimates previously given by officials. According to him, the exact number of residents must be established through a census.

«Neither I can claim that I am right, nor can the prime minister or the interior minister. What is the solution? Count them. Whether by locking people in their homes, standing, or from space — but tell me the population figure,» Şenkul said.

He also recalled that completely different population figures had been cited previously. According to him, a year ago the figure was said to be 590 thousand people, while now it is approximately 500 thousand.

Şenkul noted that Interior Minister Dursun Oğuz had also stated that there were no accurate figures, and once again called for a population census to be held.