Georgian Air Navigation rejects media claim that Shovi landslide “led to accelerating” construction of helicopter hangar, search, rescue office

The Georgian Air Navigation Agency, a company operating under the country's Ministry of Economy, on Tuesday rejected information spread by TV Pirveli channel earlier today, allegedly the Agency had “accelerated” the announcement of the tender for the construction of the helicopter hangar and the search and rescue office, following the landslide that hit the Shovi resort on August 3, killing at least 19 people.

It was also emphasised that TV Pirveli channel had “intentionally” mixed the function of the aviation search and rescue coordination centre up with the one of the Emergency Management Service, adding the Air Navigation Agency’s centre had “nothing to do with the rescue helicopters, their service and operation”.

As the Agency explained, the construction of the search and rescue office - initially planned to start three years ago - was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The reduced flights during the pandemic had “a negative impact” on the Agency’s budget, which also hindered the implementation of the mentioned and other projects, the body said.

The Agency stressed it had carried out all activities defined by the domestic law before the invitation for bids, noting it had published all relevant documents and tender proposals on the State Procurement Agency’s website on August 4, after receiving the construction permit on July 26 and registering it on August 2.

The body once again expressed its deep sorrow for the victims of the Shovi disaster and extended its condolences to the families of the deceased.