Tbilisi, December 9, 2023 – A major water supply project in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi has caused traffic disruption on one of the city’s main streets, Vakhtang Orbeliani Street.
The project aims to improve the water-supply infrastructure and provide 24×7 water supply to the residents, and it requires digging and laying pipes on the street.
The movement of vehicles on Vakhtang Orbeliani Street, from Orbeliani N26 to Anton Purtseladze Street intersection, has been temporarily restricted from 08:00 on December 9 to 08:00 on December 11.
During this period, cars can use alternative routes such as Rena Abjandadze Street, Mtkvari Right Bank, Nikoloz Baratashvili and Atoneli streets.
The European Bank funds the water supply project for Reconstruction and Development and the European Union. It is part of a larger initiative to reduce water losses and leakages in Tbilisi.
According to the bank’s website, the project is expected to benefit more than 1.2 million people in the city.
The project has faced some challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which delayed the construction work and increased the costs. The project also encountered some opposition from residents, who complained about the noise, dust, and inconvenience caused by the digging and pipe-laying.
However, the project’s manager, Giorgi Kapanadze, said that the project was essential for the city’s development and well-being. He said that the project would improve the quality and reliability of the water supply and reduce the environmental impact of water wastage. He also said the project would create jobs and boost the local economy.
He appealed to the public to cooperate and bear with the temporary inconvenience caused by the project. He said the project team worked hard to minimize the disruption and complete the work as soon as possible. He also thanked the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Union for their support and funding.
According to the bank’s website, the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
