Minister of Internal Affairs Responds to Shovi Disaster Investigation Inquiry
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Vakhtang Gomelauri, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, has stated that he sees no necessity for an investigation into the Shovi disaster.
Gomelauri's remarks came in response to inquiries about the opposition's proposal to establish a temporary investigative commission within the parliament.
"They can choose to establish it themselves. I cannot dictate their decision. There is no subject that requires investigation," commented Gomelauri.
Moreover, Gomelauri clarified that he actively participated in the processes and made decisions right from the initial stages of the disaster.
"Absolutely, I was engaged from the very beginning. The Prime Minister and all of us were actively involved. While I couldn't oversee things from a distance of 1,000 kilometers as one can do on-site, I had my deputies present. It's important to acknowledge that I was the one making decisions," the minister explained.
Responding to the question about whether only the Minister of Regional Development was present while others failed to grasp the severity of the situation, the Minister of Internal Affairs emphasized that different agencies were fulfilling their responsibilities.
"Numerous individuals arrived, and I believe it's not essential for everyone to be present," Gomelauri informed journalists from the disaster-affected area.
Gomelauri, who visited the disaster site, noted that around 26% of the area at the epicenter of the disaster still requires assessment.
"A meeting was convened, and new strategies were devised. Approximately 26% of the epicenter necessitates further evaluation. Unfortunately, an unoccupied vehicle was discovered. The owners of the vehicle are missing, and efforts are underway to locate them.
Furthermore, plans have been formulated for post-disaster actions, including procedures such as riverbank operations and a reevaluation of the riverbed. A comprehensive report will be issued in due time," Gomelauri added.
