MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

“Today we met with very patriotic and state-minded people and discussed the challenges in the energy sector in Georgia, including the fact that the construction of the HPPs will be more dependent on external sources and our country is more vulnerable. We also discussed the project of "Hodori 3" and talked about the advantages it will bring to the local population,” – Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Natia Turunava said after the meeting with the residents of the village Duisi of the Akhmeta Municipality.

Maia Tskitishvili, the Vice Prime Minister, the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, initiated the meeting. The Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture Levan Davitashvili and the State Representative in Kakheti Irakli Kadagishvili also participated in the meeting. 

Representatives of the Government have provided detailed information on the ongoing and up-coming projects in the Pankisi Gorge and the state programs for agriculture and entrepreneurship, to the youngsters, the Women’s Council and the Elders Council.

The Deputy Minister approved the initiative to sign a trilateral agreement between the authorities, the local elders and the investor. “We will be the guarantor that all the obligations that the investor will take for the local population in terms of the infrastructure, employment or establishment of the local foundation will be fulfilled,” – Natia Turnava said.

The meeting in Duisi was very constructive. Government officials answered the questions of the local population, which covered not only the construction of the HPPs but also other important issues, including professional training and micro and small business stimulation programs, as well as construction of roads and other household infrastructure.

After the meeting, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development got acquainted with the energy opportunities of the gorge.

In the Pankisi Gorge, the company “Peri” is building “Khadori 3” and “Samkuristskali” HPPs, with total investment of over 40 million USD. As a result, both HPPs will generate 160 million kw/h electricity.