Georgian PM, Economic Council members discuss state programme for urban renovation

The Georgian Government’s Economic Council, led by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, on Saturday discussed the ₾1 billion ($371mln), five-year state programme for renovation and development of infrastructure in cities and resorts across the country.

The Council said 10 locations were selected for renovation in the first stage of the programme, including the cities and towns of Borjomi, Bakuriani, Kutaisi, Tskaltubo, Telavi, Zugdidi, Batumi, Mtskheta, Stepantsminda, Mestia and Kazbegi. 

The construction works will begin gradually in nine municipalities, based on the existing development concepts, and a tender will be announced for Georgia’s ski resort Bakuriani, the Government Administration said.

The officials stressed the new state programme, initiated by the PM, would contribute to the development of the tourism sector and the creation of jobs in the country.

The Head of the Government was briefed on the current and planned activities for the 2024 population census, with the Economic Council members highlighting the importance of the procedure and noting it will be carried out under international recommendations.

The conversation also touched on the development plan of the Black Sea coastal town of Gonio, and the Council pointed out the “significant” investments to be made for the sustainable development of the area, which includes the construction of a hotel and residential complexes, shopping centres, recreational and sports infrastructure.

The Council emphasised the implementation of the project would ensure the creation of “several tens of thousands of jobs”.