Construction of section of east-west main gas pipeline nears completion - Ministry of Economy

The construction of a 20.5 km section of Georgia’s main east-west gas pipeline, built near the Ruissan occupation line in Shida Kartli region in the central part of the country, is nearing completion, with the final stage expected to be finished by late August, the Ministry of Economy said on Tuesday.

The Lekhura-Sveneti pipeline section is undergoing testing to ensure its “quality and durability”, the body added.

Jubo Turashvili, the head of the Department of Energy Policy and Investment Projects of the Ministry, and Giorgi Chikovani, the Director General of the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation, responsible for the construction of the pipeline, have inspected the construction progress.

The Ministry said the officials specifically examined the gabion, which is being built at the 17th kilometre of the gas pipeline to strengthen the gully and protect the soil from washing during heavy rainfall, ultimately ensuring the “smooth operation” of the pipeline.

The body added a total of nine gabions had been constructed along the pipeline's length, “significantly enhancing the safety of the gas pipeline”.

Turashvili said settlements located along the administrative boundary line separating the Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region from the Government-controlled territory would be supplied with natural gas by the Lekhura-Sveneti gas pipeline.

With the renovated gas pipeline, the population will receive continuous and high-quality natural gas. Additionally, local residents have been primarily employed in the construction process”, he said.

The inspection highlighted a special tap node installed in the main gas pipeline, through which gas distribution networks for nearby villages will be connected following the completion of the section.

Chikovani said the project for the Lekhura-Sveneti section was part of the 10-year transmission network development plan, aiming to replace outdated infrastructure. He added the 20.5 km section of the pipeline served as a continuation of last year's 31 km section of Natakhtari-Lekhura.

Our goal is to completely reconstruct the main gas pipeline and bring it into compliance with modern technical requirements”, he said.

Following the completion of the works, the construction area will be “fully rehabilitated”, allowing the local population to resume agricultural activities, the Ministry said.