Georgia has updated its list of high mountainous settlements, meaning that locals of six more villages will enjoy special financial benefits, which will help them improve their living conditions and develop local small and medium-sized business.
Akhaltsikhe (Dusheti Municipality in Eastern Georgia), Melaani (Gurjaani Municipality in Eastern Georgia), Dvani and Knolevi (Kareli Municipality in Eastern Georgia), Speti and Chalovani (Sachkhere Municipality in Western Georgia) will now be included on the list of mountain areas.
Georgia approved a new mountain development strategy for 2019-2023 last year.
The major priorities of the strategy is the sustainable development of Georgia’s highlands, supporting small and medium sized businesses, farming and cooperative development, promotion and production of demanded agricultural products.
The new 5-year strategy also includes increased access to quality healthcare and social services to highlanders.
One of the significant tasks of the strategy is to improve the current infrastructure of education institutions. 15 million GEL will be allocated for the renovation of existing schools.
86 million GEL has been already allocated from the Fund for the Development of Highlands of Georgia, much of which was mainly spent on rehabilitation of hospitals, water supply systems, cultural and sports facilities and the installation of solar panels.
There are 1,737 high mountainous settlements throughout Georgia for now.