"The Georgian government, in collaboration with all relevant organizations, is taking significant steps to improve Georgia's infrastructure and make it more appealing to tourists, investors, and businesses. This is an irreversible and growing process that is required for the country's economy to recover and thrive”, - the Chair of the Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee, David Songhulashvili stated at the Plenary Session, while hearing the Minister of Infrastructure, Irakli Karseladze.
According to Songhulashvili, Georgia has made significant progress in the implementation of infrastructure projects, citing examples of the majoritarian constituency: rehabilitation of Sagarejo-Udabno-David Gareji up to 15 km section, planned rehabilitation of Dedoplistskaro Central Park, completed Gurjaani bypass road and ongoing constructions of Bakurtsikhe-Tsnori and Tbilisi-Sagarejo highways, Velistsikhe urban renewal project, etc.
"Let me also note the ongoing construction of the Kvesheti-Kobi continuous road tunnel, which is a critical project for the country's economic development and will greatly contribute to the country's transportation and tourism development”, - David Songhulashvili noted.
According to him, the "Renewed Regions" project initiated by the Prime Minister is especially important, which gives new life to the municipalities and encourages entrepreneurs to develop small businesses.
"Of course, a country's economic progress is dependent on the long-term development and competitiveness of its regions, which can be achieved by enhancing the regions' fundamental infrastructure. In this section, I must highlight the successful completion of projects linked to the repair and building of water supply and sewerage systems, which will be completed by 2025 and will eliminate water shortages in all cities”, - the co-rapporteur elucidated.
According to David Songhulashvili, the role of the Government and the Ministry of Infrastructure is important in the construction and renovation of schools, within which all regions of the country are involved and the rehabilitation process is being carried out in stages.
The co-rapporteur stressed the importance of EU support and spoke about the ongoing projects under the Pilot Integrated Regional Development Programme for 2020-2022.
According to him, the program aims to reduce major infrastructural inequalities in the pilot regions.
According to the MP, the program is based on the development policy of the EU regions and supports local SMEs for rapid development.
"Mountainous region development is critical for maintaining equal socioeconomic development across Georgia's whole territory, which will promote greater demographic integration, commerce development, and tourism development. Georgia's regional development policy is a key area of cooperation under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, therefore work on initiatives that promote balanced regional development and urban regeneration, create a sustainable socio-economic environment, and boost investment should be stepped up”, - David Songhulashvili stated.
According to him, the Committee actively monitors the implementation of infrastructure projects within its competence and the state of appropriation of funds allocated from the budget during the hearing of quarterly and annual reports on the implementation of the state budget.
“In this regard, I'd like to call attention to the Georgian government's decree approving the fundamentals, principles, and norms for using price indexation to aid the implementation of infrastructure projects, which is a critical decision to help businesses. This will assist the business to avoid delays in project delivery, ensuring that business processes are not disrupted, commitments are met, and employment conditions are maintained. I am certain that ongoing programs targeted at improving our people's well-being and daily lives will take on a more diverse face and boost performance dynamics as a result of collaborative and coordinated work”, - David Songhulashvili stated, thanking the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure and his team.
