Georgia, Tbilisi, Jan. 16 / Trend, N. Kirtskhalia /
Another tender will be announced for the construction of the Tbilisi-Rustavi highway, Georgian Regional Development and Infrastructure Minister David Narmania said at a press conference on development plans for 2013.
Commenting on President Mikheil Saakashvili's statement about the new government's suspension of the construction of the highway, Narmania said that the project was supposed to have been undertaken by a company by the name of "New Energy", however the company did not fulfill obligations accordingly.
"Some criminal activity was discovered, so we are announcing a new tender. The company offering the best conditions will win the tender. Highway construction will definitely be continued", Narmania said.
He said this year work will be completed on the first and third sections of the Tbilisi-Rustavi highway, and work is underway on the second section, completion of which is planned for 2013.
Narmania added that New Energy had to carry out construction work on the Kobi-Gudauri road, which has already received funding, and the matter is currently being reviewed by the proper authorities.
As for other ongoing infrastructure projects, the minister noted that none of them were under suspension.
In addition, he said Georgia will spend 180 million Lari ($ 1 = 1.66 Lari) more than in 2012 on infrastructure projects this year.
"In 2013 we will spend 180 million Lari more than in 2012 on infrastructure projects. We will be able to spend 900 million in particular areas, we plan to continue the construction of highways as well as internal roads. A total of 250 kilometers of new road will be paved", Narmania said.
Narmania added that water supply system repairs for 50 municipalities are planned for 2013, the process of managing regional landfills in Kakheti and Imereti and the rehabilitation of tourist infrastructure will be launched as well. Several projects will be aimed at improving the living conditions of internally displaced persons.