What are the main issues facing Georgians?

For the first time in years the people of Georgia believe it’s more important to address environmental issues than socio-economic challenges in capital Tbilisi.

Results of a nationwide survey of thousands of people, compiled by two non-governmental organisations, showed 43 percent of respondents believed the major problem facing the capital was environmental pollution, followed by damaged roads and infrastructure (31 percent) then unregulated traffic movement (27 percent). 

Major part of respondents believed the major problem facing the capital was environmental pollution. Photo by N.Alavidze/Agenda.ge. 

Forty percent of the 4,500 people questioned were unhappy with the lack of greenspace near their apartments, while only 29 percent were happy with their green surroundings. Fifty-seven percent of interviewees asked for a recreational park in Vere Gorge in central Tbilisi that was severely destroyed by the June 13 flood.

Daily life for some people in Georgia remained a challenge however more than 70 percent of respondents believed the areas where they lived were safe and appropriate for raising their children.

When it came to transport, more than 70 percent believed public transport was not adapted for people with disabilities. 

Vere Gorge after June 13 deadly flood in Tbilisi. Photo by N.Alavidze/Agenda.ge. 

On another note, 71 percent of those questioned supported the Georgian Parliament to function in Tbilisi rather than in the central town of Kutaisi.

In general, the poll by the National Democratic Institution (NDI) and CRRC Georgia, most people surveyed believed their living conditions had stayed the same (47 percent) or worsened (43 percent) over the last year. 

Improving roads, water and gas delivery and eliminating pollution were top priorities to address, revealed the survey. 

The majority of respondents believed employment opportunities were inadequate (80 percent), with 66 percent considering themselves as unemployed. The respondents identified tourism, farming, livestock, and light industry as the main economic development possibilities for their communities.

Those who engaged with local government officials reported them as being competent (69 percent) and respectful (88 percent). Citizens highly rated the performance of emergency medical services and public service halls, with 89 percent reporting they were satisfied with the service they received at the public service halls.

The results reflected data collected between August 8 and September 10 through face-to-face interviews with a nationwide representative sample of 4,448 citizens of Georgia. The average margin of error was +/- 3 percent.

Both NDI and CRRC Georgia are non-governmental, non-profit organisations. The organisations will reveal political ratings on Thursday.