THE saga of the Akbuk sewer tax being illegally imposed on residents has reached a new and confusing impasse.

Akbuk council sent 28,000 notices to residents asking for payment towards the overall 34 million Turkish Lira cost of a new sewer system.

The letter sent to residents stated the council was offering property owners the chance to get a 25% discount if they paid in cash in full OR they can pay in 4 instalments in May and November 2014 and May and November 2015.

However the Akbuk Culture and Environment Association (AKCED) took the matter to the Aydin Tax Court and the court ruled that sending the payment notice sent to citizens was in violation of the law.

Up to 8,500 law suits from Akbuk residents who paid are now resting with the Aydin Municipality Council waiting to be re-paid.

This is because that under local government reform, Akbuk council ceased to exist and was brought under Didim Council jurisdiction. As Didim falls within Aydin’s remit , the legal result now falls to Aydin to reimburse the claimants, NOT Didim.

In a classic case of passing the buck, the provincial council has said the case is still ongoing and no reimbursements can be made, while AKCED says the case has concluded and residents should get their money back.

AKCED’s Ferda Kılıç said: “We need to solve this problem now. The issues have been resolved and justice has found its place.”