Residents of 85 Tsintsadze Street Protest New Construction

Construction of a residential building is planned in the Saburtalo neighborhood, near the Hippodrome, at 85 Sulkhan Tsintsadze Street. The current residents of the address are against the construction, protesting it on the grounds that it is unsafe. THey have presented research and opinions by experts in engineering and geology that support their conclusion.

On Friday, Tbilisi Deputy Mayor Ilia Eloshvili met with the concerned residents. 

The residents argue that the hillside where the planned construction would sit is unstable, and building there would be hazardous for residences and schools nearby.

Eloshvili heard locals' complaints and promised them that the construction works will not start until City Hall can confirm that all security norms are in place.

"The construction of a high-rise building is planned on this territory. The population has some fears that this construction may not be appropriate in geological terms and pose a risk. We asked the residents to join the third, independent side of the process. The first surveys confirmed that this is a hazardous step that may pose a threat during the construction period not only for the locals but for the [nearby] school. In the absence of any additional research and guarantees, no construction will be implemented. The legal service of the City Hall will discuss both sides' conclusions and a decision will be adopted on this basis," said Eloshvili.

The meeting was also attended by Davit Utmelidze, the majoritarian MP of Saburtalo, and Gaioz Vasadze, district governor.

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: Tbilisi City Hall