Construction regulations to be launched in the historical part of Old Tbilisi
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Thursday, May 23
On May 22, at the municipality government's session, Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi, said that construction regulations will be launched in the historic part of Old Tbilisi. According to him, within a few days, the Tbilisi government will hold a presentation on this topic, where more details will be disclosed.
"The historical area of Old Tbilisi requires upkeep the most - it should be preserved,” said the Mayor, according to him, there are many problems in this part of the city that need solving.
“This is principally important for us. Regarding the regulations, we had talks with the developers and construction sector. We have introduced our approach - the attitude that everyone has approved and agreed with. It is necessary to implement these regulations in order to save Old Tbilisi and keep it in the shape that makes us proud,” said Kaladze.
According to Kaladze, a group of different experts worked on the project. The Mayor discussed the experiences the European cities: “Every European city with a historical part has this approach and attitude… As in European cities, everything will be carried out at the highest standard - adapted seats, installation of lifts for people with disabilities, security cameras, fire safety… In the nearest future, we will have a presentation where experts, construction sector, developers will be invited and regulations will be introduced,” said the Mayor of Tbilisi.
Besides the announcement of regulations at the session, the Mayor of the capital also revealed that the Orbeliani Square will be opened soon.
“Full rehabilitation of the Orbeliani Square and seven adjacent streets in the historical area of Mtatsminda district will be completed in the nearest future,” said Kaladze. As he noted, a project of this scale hasn’t yet been implemented in Tbilisi. The works are said to be completed in the beginning of next month.
“It is very important to update the historical sites and maintain cultural heritage monuments. …The full restoration included underground communications as well. In this particular area, 20 buildings were fully rehabilitated, 13 of which are cultural heritage monuments. This is the charm of Tbilisi, which we are proud of. We should continue this approach in other areas,” said the Mayor.
During the session, another novelty was also introduced. Within the framework of full rehabilitation, Chavchavadze avenue will become a place for a pilot project, which envisages placing trash bins underground. The Mayor said that the project will be implemented in other rehabilitated streets and avenues in the future.
"In the nearest future, we are starting full rehabilitation of Chavchavadze Avenue. There we have a very difficult situation, especially in terms of the underground communication system. We will rehabilitate the avenue completely with its communications, outdoor lighting, pedestrian paths and buses. Trash bins, which are placed upon the way, will be brought underground, as it is in most developed cities. It is very easy to do and I think it will be a step forward. Seeing bins on the road on the central streets is not visually pleasant,” noted the Mayor.
After placing the rubbish bins on Chavchavadze Avenue, Tbilservice Group will have to purchase special equipment.
According to Levan Zhgharkava, the head of the Tbilservice Group, which is responsible for waste collection and various maintenance procedures in Tbilisi, the cars that are now serving Tbilisi are unsuitable for the project and need to be changed.
"First of all, it is visually neater and will save the company's costs significantly because the underground container will be bigger than it is today. We will take look at the company and municipal budget and I think we will continue this project,” said Jgharkava regarding the project that foresees bringing trash bins underground.
Tbilisi City Hall plans to start the full rehabilitation of Chavchavadze Avenue from the end of May. As for the project, its implementation will be completed along with the rehabilitation of the avenue.
