Kaladze’s Weekly Priorities: Taxi Rules, Recycling, Roadworks
Each week, the municipal government of Tbilisi holds a meeting at City Hall. Preceding this week’s meetings, Mayor Kakha Kaladze made several important remarks.
The taxi registration regulation adopted by the municipal government has been sent to the Sakrebulo (City Assembly) for approval. If approved, it will be mandatory to obtain a permit for the transport of passengers with M1 Category taxis.
“It is very easy for permit seekers to use the special website, where they fill in their personal data, driver's license number and the car's technical numbers, and they can pay the permit fee electronically. After completing this procedure, applicants receive the registration document within a maximum period of two days," said Kaladze, adding that drivers can also apply in person.
Permit holders will pay only the permit fee and no additional taxes. “The owner of a taxi permit must display the document in the cabin and place the appropriate sign on the taxi. If caught without proper documentation, taxi drivers will be fined 200 GEL,” said Kaladze.
The second phase of the taxi permits will start from October 1, 2019, and will include taxis being marked with a to-be-determined unified color, and additional regulations being developed for right-hand drive taxes.
The final agreement was signed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and for the first time, a comprehensive waste management strategy for the city will be development. The strategy will be based on EU Association Agreement obligations and will lay the groundwork for the establishment of a waste separation and recycling system.
"Europe and the developed world are well aware that waste is not something we can avoid. It can be remedied and used for different purposes. This approach not only protects the general environment but also helps to create new jobs and develop a currently non-existent industry, which I think is important for our capital. I think the strategy developed by the EBRD, will be a prerequisite for Tbilisi to move into the waste management system gradually, which means that recycling bins will be gradually placed on streets,” said the Mayor.
According to Kaladze, a contract was signed for the construction of a waste processing plant but it did not come into effect because the system the project proposed was outdated and no longer meets waste management code and waste management governance strategy under the Association Agreement.
"The document also opposed the idea of separating waste on site, which Georgia will gradually introduce from 2019. The draft contract...was rejected by the Georgian government and City Hall recommends that the contract conditions be adjusted, although negotiations have not been held. Furthermore, they refused to return the land, which had been transferred for a term of 25 years, so we have a petition in court to restore the municipality's right to the property,” stated Kaladze.
Kaladze drew attention to the construction of a two-pronged overpass at the crossing of Marshal Gelovani Avenue and Sarajishvili Street, which will begin in the near future. The overpass is designed to significantly unload traffic in the Vashlijvari area and increase traffic flow between the Saburtalo and Dighomi districts.
“You know how serious a problem it is to move in this section, especially at peak hours. With the implementation of the project, the movement will be lightened. In addition, cars will be able to move freely from Nutsubidze Plateau through Vashlijvari, Dighomi, and vice versa,” said Kaladze.
Road construction work is planned to last six months and cost approximately 4.5 million GEL ($1.8 mil) – allocated from Tbilisi’s city budget.
Finally, Tbilisi’s Mayor congratulated Georgian singers Nani Bregvadze and Buba Kikabidze on their birthdays last week and announced that they will be awarded for their special contribution to the development of Georgian culture.
“I want to congratulate them with love, health and longevity,” said Kaladze.
By Samantha Guthrie
Photo: Tbilisi City Hall