Economy Minister: mediation on Namakhvani HPP to be held in coming days under the leadership of EU

Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava has announced that mediation on the construction of the Namakhvani hydro power plant (HPP) that is planned to be built in western Georgia will be held in the coming days under the leadership of the European Union.

• Economy Ministry: four economic studies show benefits of Namakhvani HPP

Turnava said that the government has 'constant contact' with the Namakhvani HPP construction Turkish company Enka, which is ready to 'help find a compromise solution as much as possible'.

Turnava said that Enka has already 'made quite significant compromises'.

For example, suspension of the dam construction completely, creation of an additional Rioni Gorge development fund, opening of all additional findings and research. Also, you know that we have met with experts and now we are waiting for the conclusion of the meeting from them. We will later send it to the investor and ask them to consider it or prepare counter-arguments", Turnava said.

Many activists and locals have been protesting the construction of the Namakhvani HPP for more than 200 days, claiming that the construction was launched without sufficient research and thorough consideration of risks, including immediate security risks due to active seismic activity. 

The protesters say that in addition to the environmental threat, the government has 'relinquished state interests' in the contract with Enka.