2018-08-22
With the initiative of the Government of Georgia, internet access will be provided in Pshav-Khevsureti and Gudamakari Valleys of the country, while para-medics will render healthcare services in high terrain regions and over 100 villages, currently kept without light, will get power supply in households. This decision has been made at the National Council for Development of Highlands of Georgia, which was held today under the leadership of Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia at the Government Administration.
Internet penetration in Pshav-Khevsureti and Gudamakari Valleys will be fully covered from the Fund for Development of Highlands of Georgia.
Ministry of Health will implement a program of para-medics to train the residents of high terrain regions in the first aid to get them skilled in this vital area before the emergency rescue brigades reach the destination.
Solar panels and power supply to over 100 villages are considered by the Government of Georgia for joint funding with the United States Agency of International Development (USAID). Overall, 400 households will get power supply, who previously did not benefit of utility services.
As noted by the Prime Minister of Georgia today at the meeting of the National Council for Development of Highlands of Georgia, the ruling political party team is focused on the development of mountains as being a key factor of its achievements.
"We have heard unserious arguments from our opponents at multiple occasions, claiming that irrespective of our efforts, we would fail to keep locals in high terrain regions. Of course, this is far from reality. When I was working on the Strategy of Inclusive Growth and Development, I thoroughly studied the Austrian case. I learned that similar arguments existed there 50 years ago among the opponents of this idea. Today we see the current degree and level of development in Austria. It should be a very clear target for us. As for the resources and energy we eagerly invest, we should have a perception and expectation that yields needs to be increased. Effectiveness and efficiency should undoubtedly be boosted" stated the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Head of the Government of Georgia noted that within the Strategy of Inclusive Growth and Development, authorities will have new initiatives, including those in the fiscal area. Nevertheless, initiatives coming from people will have great importance in this and many other fields. Hence, Prime Minister of Georgia called Governors and local authorities for maximum pro-activeness.
Second meeting of the National Council for Development of Highlands of Georgia, which was chaired by the Prime Minister of the country, discussed key components of the Strategy for Development of Highlands of Georgia for 2019-2023. Strategy and Action Plan will be developed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia. Programs to be implemented in mountains of the country in 2018-2019 were also discussed, including the development of forests and tourism in forests as a niche segment.
Law of Georgia on Development of High Terrain Regions was endorsed by the national authorities of the country in 2015. Currently 1730 settlements are granted with the status of High Terrain Communities and 330 000 people benefit of the fiscal incentives under the law.
Prime Minister's Press Office