Georgian, foreign experts plan recovery of flood-damaged Tbilisi

Georgian and foreign experts are starting to design a strategy of ways to repair the flood-affected Vere River and its ravine, in a bid to prevent a similar disaster occurring in the future.

Geologists, urban architects, geo-constructors, engineers and other specialists from near and far gathered in Tbilisi today to prepare a qualified conclusion about the cause of the June 13 Tbilisi disaster and offer a plan how to overcome this challenge.

The experts will be involved in implementing any project within the disaster zone. Their work will fall within the responsibilities of the newly created Interagency Commission, which had its first meeting today. The Commission was initiated by Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.

We should create a precedent of open discussions and involve specialists in the processes. We, the decision-making people, should be aware of all alternative ideas,” said Garibashvili.

The first meeting of Interagency Commission was held today. Photo from PM's Facebook page.

The PM announced the World Bank, Red Cross, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and USAID representatives as well as US, Swedish and German governments and Ambassadors accredited in Georgia had expressed readiness to support Georgia as it recovered from the disaster.

Garibashvili added "the door of the Interagency Commission is open for any expert willing to get involved in the working process”.

Georgia’s Interagency Commission is co-chaired by PM Garibashvili and Tbilisi Mayor David Narmania. Other members include the ministers of Georgia’s Economy, Energy, Finance, Internal Affairs, Environment Protection, Regional Development and Infrastructure Ministries.

Expert members of the Commission include Irakli Maskharashvili (creator of Mziuri Park project), Tato Beridze (coast-protecting specialist), Tamaz Shilakadze (designed the New Road Highway that links Heroes Square to Vake district), Davit Abulaze (Architects’ Union), Givi Gavardashvili (director of Water Management Institute), Giorgi Rostomashvili (director of Developers’ Union), Badri Ukleba (hydrologist), Giorgi Gotsiridze, Lado Vardosanidze, Niko Kakhetelidze, Tariel Taliashvili, Chichiko Janelidze, Merab Gaprindashvili, Nino Gogoberidze and others.

The duties of the Interagency Commission

As well as being involved in future projects implemented in the disaster zone, the experts are also tasked with planning how to better protect the lives of those who reside in the flood-affected area.

The Commission is also obligated to create a common policy for projecting and constructing infrastructure in the disaster zone. The experts should plan and coordinate loss compensation activities.

At the same time the professionals should study the area and learn what caused the disaster, which had a catastrophic effect in a suburb of Tbilisi.

The Commission should also develop a comprehensive plan for the future of Vere ravine.