Statement Regarding Sno Public School

It is important to provide the public with accurate information regarding Sno Public School and ensure that the issue does not become the basis for misleading assessments.

Some media outlets are attempting to exploit the sensitivity of the issue to create the impression that funds allocated for the rehabilitation of the school were spent inappropriately. This does not correspond to reality.

Following the abolition of the Educational and Scientific Infrastructure Development Agency LEPL, the Municipal Development Fund of the Ministry of Infrastructure took over several dozen problematic school rehabilitation and construction projects. It was impossible to proceed with these projects without conducting a thorough assessment.

Proper assessment of the technical condition of school buildings is of particular importance. Therefore, in addition to a documentary review, it is essential to conduct an expert assessment of the structural integrity and safety of the buildings. Above all, this is a matter of children’s safety, and the relevant decisions must be based on the findings of qualified specialists. At the same time, the rational use of public funds is also essential.

It is precisely these principles that the Ministry is following in relation to Sno Public School.

Under the school rehabilitation project implemented by the Educational and Scientific Infrastructure Development Agency LEPL, out of the total contract value of GEL 2,261,583.96, only GEL 148,894.10 was paid to the contractor company Dika 2010. The amount was allocated for the dismantling of the building’s interior and exterior finishes.

Following the transfer of the project to the Municipal Development Fund, a detailed assessment of both the project documentation and the existing condition of the building was initiated.

According to the conclusion of the Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau LEPL, it was confirmed that the initial structural design contained deficiencies.

At present, at the request of the Fund, an additional in-depth assessment is underway, including a geological study and determination of the building’s emergency condition category. The National Forensics Bureau is also processing an application for an additional assessment of the building’s technical condition.

So far, no final decision has been made regarding the demolition of the existing Sno Public School building and construction of a new school.

Working meetings regarding Sno Public School have been held both on site, in Sno, and at the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, with the participation of all relevant stakeholders. The final decision will be made based on the results of the studies and expert assessments.

The final technical solution must take into account the safety of students, the historical significance of the building, and all applicable quality standards.

The works will resume once a safe and technically sound solution, based on the findings of qualified specialists, has been determined.