Istanbul's ancient Basilica Cistern is in such a state of disrepair that its restoration "can't wait another minute," Istanbul Municipality Assistant Secretary General Mahir Polat said on Dec. 10.

A restoration project was presented to the Culture and Tourism Ministry's Protection Board as an urgent matter some 47 days ago, but the board failed to issue a ruling as of Dec. 10, Polat said.

"The Basilica Cistern is facing great risk, we need the board's approval to intervene as soon as possible," Polat added.

Recent restoration work on the basilica revealed that tension rods used for restoration during the early years of the Turkish republic didn't connect properly, hence they are not supporting the columns effectively.

Located next to the Hagia Sophia, the sixth-century Basilica Cistern was built under the Byzantine Empire.