Georgian Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Irakli Karseladze presented the ministry’s ten-year action plan.

The minister said the introduction of modern road safety standards and high quality of services were the main preconditions for the country’s development. Karseladze promised to complete a total of 760 km of highways by 2030.

The Regional Development Minister focused on boosting the revenues and financial independence of the municipalities. “Decentralization and the establishment of the local government system based on European values is the most important format for the country development,” he claimed.

According to Irakli Karseladze, the development of mountainous zones is the declared priority. The budget exceeds GEL 968 million.

“We are actively working to fulfil the tasks set within the framework of the Highland Settlement Development Strategy, be it significant improvement of the demographic situation, strengthening of economic and tourism potential or other areas,” he said.

The minister named garbage collection, management and recycling as one of the main priorities for the future. He said all municipal trash dumps would be closed, and new regional sites would be built. That would cost over GEL 613 million.

“We will improve the municipal waste collection service throughout the country and upgrade the technical base through more efficient management that will significantly reduce the harmful impact on the environment,” the minister claimed.