Georgian Gov’t offers more support to ‘buffer zone’ residents

The Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure led a Government Commission session which discussed ways to help people living near the occupation line. 

The Commission, led by Ministry leader David Narmania, was created for the purpose of helping the population who lived in the troubled area.

At yesterday’s session, Commission members discussed the direction of a strategy to boost socio-economic development of the people who continue to suffer as a result of the Georgia-Russia conflict in 2008.

The strategy aimed to support agriculture, horticulture, cattle-breeding, general business and more.

The group also discussed ways to implement a funding program that would give additional support, in terms of funding, to students living near the occupation line.

As of today, 379 applications for support had been sent to the Government by students who lived in the buffer zone. Of these, 236 were from Bachelors', 11 were from Masters’ students and the remaining 132 were already funded by various state programs.

The Commission decided to extend the application deadline so students who wish to apply for funding have an additional ten days to address the local government. If criteria are met, students will receive tuition. The new deadline for applications is February 7.

Furthermore, the Government-led Commission also listened to a report proposing a winter aid plan to assist people living in buffer zones by UN Refugee Agency UNHCR. Last year UNHCR and the European Union provided financial assistance of 500 GEL to 650 families living along the occupation line. Aid was provided to disabled people, single elderly citizens and families with many children.

UNHCR also provided secondary assistance, which involved supplying 700 families with household items.

The decision to create a commission was made by the Government in October 2013.