Georgia: The next session of the municipal government was held at the Tbilisi City Hall. Before discussing the issues on the agenda, the mayor of the capital, Kakha Kaladze, made several statements, noting that in order to eliminate construction violations, the Parliament passed a law and the Tbilisi City Council approved the relevant rule.
He said that so far, the non-compliance with the decisions made within the administrative complaint was a problem because the offenders were artificially obstructing the enforcement process.
“We have repeatedly tightened sanctions against construction offenders; however, despite this, the problem has been the non-compliance with the decisions made within the administrative complaint. Offenders, who were well aware that they had violated the law and their useful decision would not have been rendered even within the framework of an administrative complaint, were artificially obstructing the delivery of the decisions, not summoning them specifically, which hindered enforcement. To solve this problem, on our initiative, a bill was drafted, which was submitted to the Parliament and, with their involvement, was adopted. The Sakrebulo also approved the relevant rule,” said Kakha Kaladze.
According to him, the law will speed up the implementation of the decisions.
“First of all, the decision will be sent by post to the address indicated by the complainant. Also, in case the construction offender fails or fails to accept the decision made on the basis of the administrative complaint, this decision will be posted both on the construction site and on the website – www.decisions.tbilisi.gov.ge. On the seventh day, after the construction site is placed in a visible place and uploaded on the official website of the municipality, the decision will be considered known to the construction offender. Thus, the new rules and approaches will speed up the implementation of the decisions made, “- said the capital’s mayor.
Kakha Kaladze also spoke about the planned and ongoing infrastructure works at today’s government sitting. In particular, it was noted that the full rehabilitation of Melikishvili Street would start on June 17 in the evening, and the street would be completely closed.
According to him, the mentioned street is being rehabilitated in accordance with modern infrastructure.
“We are starting the full rehabilitation of Melikishvili Street. Under the project, the underground communication networks will be completely changed. The drainage network, water and sewage systems, and gas pipes will be upgraded. Power lines will be located below ground. Lighting poles with LED lights will be installed. Sidewalks, new waiting areas, bus lanes, and bicycle lanes will be arranged. Underground waste collection bins will be installed, and the infrastructure on the street will be maximally adapted for people with disabilities. Rehabilitation of Melikishvili Street will start in the evening on June 17, and the street will be closed. During the project implementation, Varaziskhevi and Kostava Street will be two-way,” said the Tbilisi Mayor.
Another infrastructure project that the Tbilisi Mayor focused on is the rehabilitation of Queen Ketevan Avenue in the Isani district and the improvement of the area around the Avlabari metro station.
According to Kakha Kaladze, as per the project, the green wall near the metro station “Avlabari” will be rehabilitated, as well as the squares of Avlabari and Yerevan.
“Parallel to the rehabilitation of Queen Ketevan Avenue, Avlabari Square and the area around the Avlabari metro station will be improved. There will be pedestrian space and dividing islands, which will be covered with natural stone materials. Also, modern type LED outdoor lights will be installed on the square, chairs will be placed, grass will be sown, and an irrigation system will be installed. The territory is completely adapted for people with disabilities,” said Kakha Kaladze.
According to the Tbilisi Mayor, the next stage of the mentioned works will be the complete rehabilitation of the Avlabari metro station.
The project’s next stage will be rehabilitating the Avlabari metro station. It is planned to improve the interior station as well as the exterior facade,” said Kakha Kaladze.
The capital’s mayor also spoke about the improvement of the area around the Varketili metro station and noted that the infrastructure works on Javakheti and Nakashidze-Bolkvadze streets are nearing completion.
“Within the framework of the project, the area around the metro was completely rehabilitated – a drainage network was arranged, an outdoor lighting system with LED lights was installed, air networks were placed underground, and asphalt was laid on the carriageway. Also, hiking trails and transport islands were expanded and arranged. The carriageway was lined, and road signs were installed. The territory has been completely adapted for people with disabilities,” said Kakha Kaladze.
According to him, at the request of the local population, metal railings were arranged in the vicinity of the metro station for the safety of pedestrians.
“As a result of the project, the movement has become safer for pedestrians, as well as for cars and public transport. Remember how difficult the situation was there; it was impossible to just walk on the sidewalks; the area was occupied by traders. I want to thank these people as well because they understood the current situation, moved to the inner space of the market and continued their activities there, “- said the mayor of Tbilisi.
Kakha Kaladze spoke about the programs implemented by the municipality for children with disabilities at today’s sitting. According to him, June 14 is the day of protection of the rights of people with disabilities in Georgia.
Tbilisi City Hall Health and Social Services Service implements a number of programs for people with disabilities. I would like to single out some of them that are very important: first is the “Child Ability Spectrum Disorder Program”, and currently, this program is used by 1,550 children and adolescents; Also important is the “Resort Services Program for Children and Adolescents with Disabilities”, under which up to 2,300 resort vouchers worth 800 GEL were issued this year. Within the voucher, the parent chooses a vacation spot in Georgia, be it a mountain or sea resort, and receives services within the City Hall voucher; The “800 GEL assistance program for socially vulnerable people under 18″ is also important, under which up to 1,300 people receive assistance every year; Besides, City Hall implements a program of assistance to socially vulnerable, severely disabled blind people, within the framework of which 900 GEL assistance will be provided during the year. 623 blind people receive assistance every year,” said Kakha Kaladze.
At the same time, according to him, Tbilisi City Hall is implementing a program for integration into the society of persons with disabilities, within the framework of which applications/projects of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations are financed.
According to the mayor of Tbilisi, such projects are, for example, the project financing a “wooden enterprise” and educating the blind.
At the same time, persons with disabilities belong to the priority group when funding other programs. We are also working to introduce innovations from next year, to implement new programs and to support these people,” said Kakha Kaladze.
At the end of the conversation, the mayor of the capital introduced to the public another honoured employee of the agency – Ilia Sofromadze, who works in the security service of the Tbilisi City Hall.
“It has become a tradition to introduce the employees of the municipality to the public. These are the people who work tirelessly on a 24-hour basis. They do their best to do good projects in the city, as well as to make our work tangible and tangible. I would like to introduce you to Ilia Sofromadze – an employee of the Tbilisi City Hall Security Service. He has been serving the municipal property and its security in good faith professionally since 2013. He has handed over very responsible objects – Rike Park, Vake Park, Mtatsminda Pantheon of Writers and Public Figures, and “Mziuri” Park. Numerous cases of robbery and property damage have been prevented. Ilia Sofromadze is a person, Who repeatedly found first aid for citizens and subsequently called an ambulance. I am proud that the City Hall stands for such people. I want to thank him and wish him success in his daily activities, “said Kakha Kaladze.
