Georgian villages decide:
Locals to choose how to spend the budget

A government programme aimed at supporting rural development across Georgia has resumed after a two-year pause. 

By 1 March, the rural communities of 3,700 villages all over the country will decide with the government what projects are  most important for their particular area. 

We see a very important platform being created. Direct communication will take place between the central and local governments and the local population,’’ Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Maia Tskitishvili says.

Infrastructure and Regional Development Minister Maia Tskitishvili meeting Kakabeti village population.

The meetings with the local and government authorities and discussions have been held already in 800 villages. Some communities have decided to spend money on:

• Repairing drinking water infrastructure
• Irrigation and drainage systems
• Coastal work
• Road and bridge renovation
• Street lighting 
• Sporting grounds
• Cultural facilities  

The programme is a branch of the state Fund for the Implementation of Regional Projects managed by the Infrastructure and Regional Development Ministry.  

Should a village fail to reach an agreement about its priority projects, the allocated amount will be sent back to the fund.

The support programme includes financing for small infrastructural projects of approximately 5,000 – 10,000 GEL value. In total it will entail 20,000,000 GEL (about $7.52/€6.59 million) in total across the country allocated by the government.