Regional policy and self-government committee endorses action plan and strategy for 2020
By Nika Gamtsemlidze
Thursday, February 13
The Chair of the Regional Policy and Self-Government Committee Zaza Gabunia submitted the Action Plan and Strategy for 2020 to the Committee for approval following Article 43 of the Rules of Procedure at the sitting of the committee.
According to Gabunia, the performance of the committee last year was considerably active in fulfilling both legislative and oversight missions. The Chairman of the Committee talked about the important projects carried out by the Committee last year and focused on the activities envisaged for 2020.
As part of the implementation of controlling functions, the Committee's Action Plan outlines 49 different activities that, in addition to the activities envisaged in the previous year's Action Plan, also include a thematic inquiry, reporting on local service development activities in the regions of Georgia, overseeing the implementation of e-services in municipalities, reporting on the activities carried out and planned by the Tbilisi Development Fund, monitoring the enforcement of normative acts established by Rule 38, etc.
The Chairman of the Committee underlined the scheduled activities concerning the implementation of the decentralization strategy.
As it was noted, the Committee intends to continue field committee sittings by regions, where, together with current issues, ongoing infrastructure projects in the regions and the aspects of the implementation of normative acts will be discussed.
The Deputy Chair of the Regional Policy and Self-Government Committee, Merab Kvaraia stressed that the Bill establishes the municipality's other powers under the Code of Local Self-Government.
Nino Tsilosani introduced with the first reading, the Bill on Aquaculture, submitted as the legislative initiative by a few MPs. According to her, aquaculture requires a proper legal basis, which ensures that basic legislation regulates the key components of aquaculture management, that, in turn, guarantees the investors of their performance, ensures their property rights and simplifies relations with government agencies.
The free trade agreement with the EU creates a favorable environment for the export of aquaculture products to EU countries where there is a growing demand for organic aquaculture products.
As the Deputy Minister of Finance Giorgi Kakauridze noted at the sitting, the ADB will allocate 13.6 ml EUR in the capacity of financial resources that will be mainly spent on the 'investment program of livable cities,' namely: feasibility study of projects, detailed study of social and environmental conditions, preparation of design and tender documentation, etc.
The loan has a maturity of 15 years including a 3-year grace period. The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia. The expected completion date is August 31.
