Controversial Road Project to be Abandoned

Even though the final decision has yet to be made, the road project connecting Georgia’s northern Khevi region with the northeastern Tusheti region through Khevsureti is likely to be abandoned, Georgian authorities have announced. They explained that the geological situation was the main obstacle. Instead, they are considering improving the existing unpaved road to Tusheti.

Whereas the government had affirmed that the initial road project would enhance local tourism and help people have better movement, people were divided over the construction plan. The rejection of the project should make local residents of Tusheti happy since many denounced its negative impact on the Caucasus ecology and ecotourism.

However, the government still wants to build the Juta–Roshka section of the road so that tourists coming through the Stepantsminda–Verkhny Lars border with Russia can cross directly into Khevsureti, Irakli Karseladze (Head of the Roads Department) said. Activists expressed their disappointment and said they would continue to oppose these projects.

By Gabrielle Colchen

Photo Source: georgianjournal.ge