Local experts develop ways to prevent future floods in Tbilisi

A group of Georgian experts have come together to develop ways to repair severely damaged infrastructure and the flood-affected Vere River and its ravine in a bid to prevent future disasters in capital Tbilisi like the June 13 tragedy.

The Georgian Interagency Commission, which consists of experts in geology, urban architecture, geo-construction, engineering and other specialties, offered concrete initiatives to Tbilisi Mayor David Narmania today.

Commission members agreed bridge-like constructions instead of corrugated tunnels should be built to accommodate the Vere River along the road that connects Heroes Square with the Vake-Saburtalo Ave. This piece of road and nearby land was largely destroyed during the June 13 flood.

It is believed the tunnels were not large enough to contain all the water flowing down the Vere River during the heavy rain, so the large flow of water burst the river’s banks and caused immense damage to the surrounding territory, including the highway.

"We all agree that Vere River should be released from the tunnels to maximum extent. Therefore, we will not build tunnels but work on bridge-like constructions. The main engineering decision will be oriented on this,” Mayor Narmania said after listening to the expert recommendations.

Additionally, he noted the specialists would study the Vere River gorge from its starting point and present their findings.

Once the research was complete, work would begin on the damaged part of the road.

"We should fully repair the road before mid- September, however we should make decisions based on this research. In addition, we also discussed the issue of constructing a protection dam for Vere and regulating the water flow,” he said.

The next meeting of the Interagency Commission was scheduled for tomorrow, June 27.