CiDA discusses regional problems
By Gvantsa Gabekhadze
Friday, April 12
Civil Development Agency (CiDA) presented the outcomes of its survey conducted in the regions of Georgia on April 11th. The survey's aim was to find out what problems residents of Georgia currently face. Consultancy for the survey was provided by Applied Research Company (ARC).Network facilitation was ensured by Civil Development Agency (CiDA). There was also considerable support from the G-PAC project of the East-West Management Institute, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Survey was conducted in 10 regions of Georgia. 100-196 respondents were surveyed in each of the regions-numbering 1405 respondents in total.
Unlike other surveys conducted in the country, health and political related issues were prominent among the topics respondents were asked about.
A significant portion of the population is unhappy with health care. Among those issues cited were the ineffectiveness of ambulance services and lack of access to health services for the rural population. As more in-depth investigation showed, the main reason for the population's discontent is the high price of services (38.1%) and the low qualification standards for doctors (21%).
Following healthcare, agriculture (33.6%), education (32.7%) and politics (31.7%) were named as major problems .
The Georgian public believes that the biggest issue in agriculture is the lack of markets (25%) and the lack of market development (23.1%). However, representatives of civic organizations and state agencies (focus-group participants) named lack of access to agricultural equipment as the key impediment for the development of agriculture.
A high percentage of the population cited the high cost of education (31.4%) and the quality of secondary education (18.2%) as a major problem. It should be mentioned that focus group discussions stressed that more vocational education should be provided. Many individuals from disadvantaged families want to receive specialized training but there is an insufficient network of vocational institutions throughout the country.
Concerning the political situation is worried about the risk of tensions (26.7%), a lack of peaceful political cohabitation (23.4%) and an increased politicization throughout the society (15.4%). Even though focus group discussions raised the issue of local self-government, only 12.4% of the population believes that the creation of municipal governments has been hindered.
According to the survey the army, the police and the Orthodox Church are the most trusted public institutions.
Based on the survey the most positive event for the population in the past three years were the democratic elections of last October 1st (42.3%), while the most negative event was the video depicting violence against inmates at Gldani Prison (19%).
Head of CiDA Zviad Devdariani told The Messenger that the organization plans to hold a meeting in Parliament and familiarize the government with the survey's findings. According to Devdariani the surveys will assist the government in focusing and prioritizing problems.
“We also plan to select some problematic fields, for example education and health and carry out a deep study concerning the problems.” Devdariani stated, adding that the NGO's aim is to bring public problems to the government's attention. Devdariani also responded to The Messenger’s question regarding the current problematic issue regarding the sale of public land to foreigners. According to Devdariani the problem was also emphasized by the people, especially in Kakheti region and that the organization will also discuss the issue during its meeting with Parliament.
