$1.37bln infrastructure projects for 2023 outlined in PM meeting with Minister

Infrastructure across Georgia will be boosted this year by the launch of 5,600 projects worth ₾3.6 billion ($1.37bln), with the country’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Infrastructure Minister Irakli Karseladze discussing the initiatives on Friday. 

The Government Administration said the two officials met to review "all main programmes and projects" that will be launched this year, including:

• Development of highways - ₾6.5 billion (2.47bln) will be spent on constructing 207 km highways of roads
• Provision of 24-hour clean water supply - 200,000 people will benefit from receiving round-the-clock water supply in 70 locations
• The second phase of the 2021-launched Renewed Regions state programme
• Construction and renovation of 885 kindergartens across the country - ₾1.3 billion ($0.49bln)
• Completion of 26 new schools and start of construction of 60 others
• Construction and renovation of 10 football stadiums, an Olympic pool in the western city of Kutaisi, and a sports complex in the central-eastern city of Rustavi 
• Launch of a programme for the development of tourism locations - ₾200 million ($76mln)

Other details of the meeting said the implementation of the project of two new regional, non-hazardous waste disposal facilities would begin this year. The plans also include preparatory works for the renovation and improvement of 12 landfills and the closing of two existing landfills in 2023.

The Government Administration confirmed state support to highland regions would continue, with a strategy for the 2024-2030 plan for the purpose to be created. 

The current, 2021-2023 action plan includes 53 measures with a total projected budget of approximately ₾968.5 million ($368mln), the release also noted. 

The meeting also discussed state support for the population living in villages adjacent to the administrative boundary line marking the Russian-occupied regions of Georgia. 

Plans for the locations include repairing 28 damaged houses in the village of Zardiaankari of the central Georgian municipality of Gori, to enable locals to return to their property. 

The Government Administration also said tenders had been announced for regional projects worth ₾250 million ($95mln).