Dusheti Residents Protest against High-voltage Power Line Construction

Local residents of Dusheti in east Georgia are protesting the construction of a high-voltage electricity transmission line, saying the process will affect their health and will damage the environment because the construction company, Energotrans, plans to cut down trees during construction.

On Sunday, the protesters tried to prevent the construction company from continuing, saying the work would destroy cemeteries and holy places.

Shortly afterward, the Ministry of Energy released a video stating that the construction process does not affect the graves. Georgia’s Vice-Premier and Energy Minister, Kakha Kaladze, made a special comment on the issue. He said that the information was released by certain “destructive forces” which aim to prevent Georgia’s development process.

The minister added that the government has adopted a 10-year plan of energy development, initiated by the Ministry of Energy, which envisions construction and rehabilitation of power transmission lines and substations and that the Dusheti high-power transmission lines are part of the project. “In recent weeks, we heard slanderous statements from certain people, who do their best to mislead the population,” Kaladze said. The minister added that despite all obstacles, the construction process would be resumed and finished in the nearest future.

The high-voltage transmission power lines, constructed by Energotrans Ltd, will link Georgia, Russia, Armenia and Iran.

Thea Morrison