2019-03-29
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The large-scale construction of the first reservoir since the 1950s is about to begin. Today, Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze opened this large investment project's presentation.
The Head of Government commended to the Tedzami Reservoir Project as historic, and pointed out the empowerment of Georgia's villages as the project's main goal.
"We are launching a very important project of historic importance with the main goal of empowering Georgia's villages, because stronger Georgian villages stand for stronger Georgian regions, and stronger Georgian regions define a stronger Georgia. The development of Georgia's villages has been one of our top priorities. Agricultural development requires strong irrigation systems. No such reservoirs have been built in Georgia in the past 50 years. In 2012, Georgia's irrigation systems covered only 40,000 hectares. Within the past six years, we have succeeded in increasing this area to 110,000 hectares. Our opponents often claim that agriculture has no prospects in Georgia. In response, I have a question: How can there be any prospects when even irrigation systems did not exist?" Mamuka Bakhtadze said.
According to the Prime Minister, the reservoir to be built on the Tedzami River will serve 10,000 citizens and irrigate 7,000 hectares of land practically unused today.
"It is a truly unique project that will breathe new life into Shida Kartli, namely the Kaspi Region. Water and water resources are the number one among Georgia's natural riches. Accordingly, tapping into water resources is of vital importance for the success of our national economy," Mamuka Bakhtadze stated.
According to the Head of Government, the reservoir will benefit 22 villages and 9,700 residents of the Kaspi Municipality. 71 million GEL will be invested, and 500 locals will be employed.
"It is especially noteworthy that such projects will significantly improve the social and economic conditions of households involved in agriculture, while also helping us to ensure inclusive growth in Georgia, to achieve a type of growth that will impact every Georgian family. Overcoming the most painful challenge of poverty is the key priority of our economy. Our starting point has always focused on maximally tapping into the economic opportunities in the regions, so that we may, in the shortest possible period, transform Georgian villages into modern villages," Mamuka Bakhtadze underlined.
According to the Prime Minister, the construction of the reservoir offers an opportunity to implement systemic and consistent infrastructural and agricultural projects, and to turn the reservoir's surrounding area into a tourist destination, and to develop tourism.
"In conclusion, it is such large-scale projects that will enable us to achieve progress in the regions, to help our villages stand on their own two feet, which ultimately, I am convinced, stands for a strong country, a strong Georgia," Mamuka Bakhtadze said.
The Tedzami Reservoir will provide drinking water to five villages, and an HPP will be built on the dam. The project has a minimal impact on the environment. Construction will launch this year to be completed in 47 months.
Prime Minister's Press Office