In a written statement, Kanber highlighted the struggles of various businesses, including grocers, markets, hairdressers, and tailors, which are losing money due to power cuts. The food and beverage sector is particularly hard-hit by soaring electricity bills, rent, and other essential costs. These issues exemplify the negative effects of the electricity problems in North Cyprus.
“In the face of constant outages, exorbitant electricity price hikes, rising costs, and economic uncertainty, all tradesmen and artisans on the island have been struggling to make ends meet for a long time”, Kanber said.
“The hot climate of Cyprus significantly increases energy consumption, especially in the summer months, due to the intensive use of cooling systems such as air conditioning. This makes already high electricity bills even more unbearable. During months when air temperatures exceed 40 degrees, energy consumption peaks, and the subsequent increases in electricity tariffs are seen as inappropriate for a social state.
“Electricity bills have become more than just a piece of paper; they are now a nightmare for tradesmen. These bills, which increase exponentially every month, are crippling businesses and affecting the entire society. Electricity is a basic necessity used in all aspects of life, from production to service, and consumption to export.
“The difficulties extend beyond electricity costs. Raw materials, equipment, and rental expenses are often priced in foreign currency. The depreciation of the Turkish Lira widens the gap between the income and expenses of tradesmen, deeply affecting both small businesses and low-income citizens. As rental expenses rise, the prices of products and services increase, further driving up the cost of living.
“More than 90% of consumer products in our country are imported and sold in foreign currency or at prices indexed to foreign currency, fueling the cost of living and inflation. Tradesmen battle rising costs and face uncertainty from fluctuating exchange rates, which reduces the purchasing power of our people”.
Kanber argues that helplessness is not our fate. Solutions must address unplanned population growth. Without basic data on population size, distribution, and employment sectors, it is impossible to produce sustainable economic, social, and political policies. This lack of data threatens sustainability in many areas, from energy production to consumption habits and rental costs to inflation.
The government should review its energy policies, invest in renewable energy, increase energy efficiency, and use local resources more effectively. Comprehensive economic policies are needed to ensure stability in exchange rates, reduce imports, support domestic production, and combat inflation. Collecting and analysing comprehensive census data is vital for creating sustainable policies.
Individual, social, and institutional success is only possible with effective time and resource management, Kanber said.
