Municipal Development Fund (MDF) of Infrastructure Ministry Implementing an Urban Upgrade Project in Velistsikhe Village, Kakheti
The project envisages the rehabilitation of a dozen houses in the central part of Velistsikhe Village, the square in front of Velistsikhe Theatre, the central street, and the improvement of the adjacent Park. A road, drainage system and a water treatment plant (WTP) is also to be arranged there.
Minister of Infrastructure Revaz Sokhadze, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Davit Songhulashvili, staffers of MDF, State Commissioner for Kakheti Region Giorgi Aladashvili and representatives of local authorities were familiarized with the progress of urban works on site.
“A very important Urban Upgrade Project undergoes execution in Velistsikhe, the cost of which amounts to GEL 30 million. Unfortunately, the implementation of that project had been delayed, since the Contractor was unable to fulfill the contract obligations. In the nearest future, we will make a decision on what steps we need to take so as to complete the project in a timely and efficient manner. The water problem needs also to be addressed, as it creates additional discomfort for the community. I apologize to the local residents for the formed situation. Upon finalization of these projects, we will have another important tourist center in the country,” said Minister of Infrastructure Revaz Sokhadze after inspecting the ongoing works in Velistsikhe Village.
The façade and the first floor of Velistsikhe Historical Theater named after Vaso Godziashvili will undergo reconstruction within the framework of the Urban Upgrade Project.
It is noteworthy that Velistsikhe Theatre has a 130-year history, since the first performance was staged in 1885. Velistsikhe Village itself is one of the oldest and largest settlements in Kakheti, distinguished by its architecture and buildings.
The project undergoes implementation with the funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Through the reconstruction of Velistsikhe, the Kakheti Region will have another tourist center with its historical and architectural values that is to create also the new economic opportunities for those residing in Velitsikhe.
