Under the “Golden Road” Project “Matsvnis Sakhli” was Opened in the Alaverdi Monastery Area
Today, under Kakheti Regional Development Project, the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia – Davit Shavliashvili, Executive Director of the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia - Giorgi Amashukeli, representatives of the World Bank and Metropolitan Bishop of Alaverdi Monastery – Davit Makharadze held presentation of the “Matsvnis Sakhli” in Alaverdi.
“Matsvnis Sakhli” presentation was also attended by: Minister of Agriculture of Georgia – Otar Danelia, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia – Giorgi Koberidze, Deputy Ministers of Finance and Economic Development – Dimitri Kumsishvili and Davit Lezhava. The following authorities were also attending the event: Deputy Mayor of Tbilisi City – Giorgi Solomonia, First Deputy Executive Director of the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia - Ilia Darchiashvili and Deputy Executive Director of the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia - Tornike Toradze, representatives of the diplomatic corps and the local population.
Kakheti Regional Development Project, which is backed by the Government of Georgia and the World Bank is under implementation since 2012, there is an amount of USD 60 million allocated for its implementation. Cost of “Matsvnis Sakhli” construction-equipment is GEL 935 000.00. There were some 50 persons employed at the project site.
Under Kakheti Regional Development Project, the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia has completed construction of tourist infrastructure by the Alaverdi Cultural Heritage Monument, the project has provided for construction and equipment of “Matsvnis Sakhli”, which is located in the Alaverdi Monastry adjacent area, on the way to Tusheti Protected Areas.
One of the objectives of the WB funded Regional Development Project is to contribute to preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage monuments and promote development of tourism infrastructure in Georgia. On the way to Tusheti Protected Areas, with assistance of “Matsvnis Sakhli” and Alaverdi Monastery hearth, tourists will have possibility to get familiar with ancient traditions of Tusheti and Kakheti.
Main beneficiaries of the project are population of Kakheti and tourists visiting the Region, which will be enabled to make the acquaintance of the rehabilitated cultural heritage monuments in the enhanced setting and benefit from the infrastructure arranged in the vicinity of monuments.
“Matsvnis Sakhli” construction project aims at preservation of ancient Georgian traditions, like Matsoni prepared with natural mother solution, Khavitsi (Tushetian cottage cheese-butter), honey from Alaverdi beekeepers, Georgian national wheat bread baked with natural yeast, locally produced Guda Cheese and Kvevri (earthenware vessel) wine. Traditional method of winemaking in Kvevri has already been awarded an intangible cultural heritage monument status by UNESCO.
It is notable that congregation of Alaverdi Monastery and the local population is already employed in “Matsvnis Sakhli”. After commencement of full scale operations, number of employees will exceed 30.
Under the Kakheti RDP, “Matsvnis Sakhli” is the first completed project out of those 10 project sites, whose completion is expected before the end of 2015.
„Today we have been visiting “Matsvnis Sakhli” project, which was realized by the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia with financial assistance of the World Bank and the Government of Georgia. Our Ministry is focused on tourism development and rehabilitation of cultural heritage monuments. The mentioned project will stimulate improvement of living conditions for local population and promote tourism development in the country. Our Ministry and the Fund are further proceeding with their operations to this effect and are currently implementing several important projects. I would like to hereby express my gratitude to the World Bank for their fruitful and effective cooperation“,- declared the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, Davit Shavliashvili.
Henry Kerali, World Bank’s Regional Director of the South Caucasus also emphasized significance of this project:
„Direct beneficiaries of the project are Kakheti population and tourists, which will benefit by improved municipal services, rehabilitated historical monuments and refurbished buildings. It will enhance living standards and increase incomes of local population. Overall, the project will stimulate economic growth in the region, improve living conditions for people and attract more visitors”- stated Henry Kerali, World Bank’s Regional Director of the South Caucasus during his visit in the “Matsvnis Sakhli”.
