Tbilisi City Hall will provide GEL 1.687 million in one-time financial assistance to traders affected by the April 29 fire at the so-called Borjomi Market, located near Station Square. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze made the announcement during a government meeting at City Hall.
The fire, which broke out on April 29, destroyed approximately 15,000 square meters of the market. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
“The fire caused significant damage to the entrepreneurs working in the area,” Kaladze said. “City Hall staff met with the affected individuals multiple times. The site was immediately cleaned, and dismantling works are now underway.”
The compensation, which ranges between GEL 2,000 and GEL 10,000 per trader, will be distributed based on a decree from the Government of Georgia, according to Kaladze. He also extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for his support, noting that assistance efforts began on day one.
“We acted swiftly—meetings were held, and a specific action plan was drafted. The transfer of funds has already begun in coordination with the entrepreneurs affected,” Kaladze added.
According to Tornike Tsereteli, director of the subcontractor company overseeing the market area, the Borjomi Market is expected to be fully restored within six months.
Tbilisi City Hall emphasized that the financial support is intended to help traders resume their activities promptly and alleviate social hardships resulting from the disaster.
The damaged market area is managed by Bakani LLC, where Tornike Tsereteli holds a 35% ownership stake. The other shareholders are Khatuna Gigolashvili and Simon Gvelesiani, according to Georgia's business registry.
