**Tbilisi Mayor Defends City’s Approach to Replacing Dilapidated Buildings**
In a recent incident, residents of a dilapidated building in Tbilisi were forcibly evicted by special forces. The city’s mayor, Kakha Kaladze, has spoken out against the politicization of this event and defended the municipality’s approach to replacing old buildings with new ones.
According to Kaladze, neither he nor his teammates are responsible for storming families’ homes and evicting them. “That is not the right approach,” he said. Instead, the city offers residents the opportunity to participate in a program aimed at replacing dilapidated buildings with modern ones. The municipality acts as a guarantor, ensuring that these new buildings are constructed and that residents are given a chance to live in normal conditions.
Kaladze emphasized that there is legislation and rules in place, and that it’s unfair to constantly blame the municipality or him personally for any unfortunate incidents. “We are building a modern state,” he said. “We tell people: we are giving you the opportunity to use this program… We take responsibility for this; the municipality stands as a guarantor.”
Regarding the offer made by the municipality to local residents, Kaladze noted that it specifically involved participation in the replacement program. He stated that documents are available showing that some residents agreed to participate and even signed agreements with the city.
**A Question of Trust**
The controversy surrounding this incident highlights deeper issues within Tbilisi’s housing market. For years, residents have been left feeling abandoned by investors who promised to build new homes but failed to follow through. Kaladze acknowledged these fears, stating that “some investor would come, start work, and countless people have been left ‘abandoned.'”
However, in this case, the municipality is acting as a guarantor and taking responsibility for ensuring that the new buildings are constructed. This approach aims to build trust with residents, who are offered a chance to participate in the replacement program.
**A Call for Fairness**
Kaladze’s defense of the city’s approach comes at a time when tensions between local residents and city authorities are running high. He called on people to communicate these problems properly and give them fair assessments, rather than spreading lies and false information.
As Kaladze noted, “Years will pass, I won’t be mayor, there will be other governments, other mayors of the city… but these problems will still exist, won’t they?” It remains to be seen how this controversy will play out in the coming days and weeks. One thing is certain: Tbilisi’s housing market needs a solution that prioritizes fairness and transparency.
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