Georgian Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, Irakli Karseladze, said that “much of what he hears regarding the ongoing works at the Rikoti Pass (connecting east and west Georgia) is allegation and slander.”

According to Irakli Karseladze, “causing tension and anxiety in society is unacceptable”, especially against the backdrop of the recent Shovi resort tragedy.

The minister said that he would hold a briefing at the special headquarters at 6 a.m. so that the media could have their questions answered.

“Yesterday, we heard lots of lies, ungrounded and baseless accusations, slander. Such campaigns were waged before, but doing that against the backdrop of the Shovi tragedy is unacceptable. Due to so many unfair allegations and questions, we would better choose a different format for discussion,” he said.

On August 11, opposition MPs Khatia Dekanoidze and Roman Gotsiridze received a response to their MP question from the Regional Minister and Infrastructure.

In the letter, Irakli Karseladze stated that landslide spots were observed during monitoring at different places, but those are located 200 meters from the road under construction. He further noted that a special traffic mode would be imposed across the section to reduce threats and for immediate reaction. The minister claimed that the specialists would continue to monitor the situation.

In the same letter, Irakli Karseladze emphasized that the procurement procedures for construction works of all sections at the Rikoti Pass were conducted in line with the procurement guidelines and regulations of international financial institutions.

MPs Khatia Dekanoidze and Roman Gotsiridze appealed to Davit Songhulashvili, Chairman of the parliamentary Branch Committee, on August 10 with the request to invite the Infrastructure Minister to the committee’s next meeting to speak about ongoing works at the Rikoti Pass.