Tbilisi City Hall is developing an assistance package to provide financial aid to retailers affected by the recent fire at the Railway Station trade centre.

At a municipal government meeting, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced that financial resources have been allocated from the reserve fund. Concurrently, the dismantling of the trade centre’s iron structures and clearing work have commenced on the site.

The Mayor reported that the recent fire impacted 400 retailers. He noted that while the Emergency Situations Management Service continues its work at the site, Vice Mayor Irakli Khamadze has been engaging with retailers within the scope of City Hall’s competence and capabilities.

According to Kakha Kaladze, meetings with an initiative group of retailers are ongoing.

“Regrettably, we have heard many lies and disinformation, but we should not pay attention to that, and must do our utmost to support the fire-affected individuals, who have families, children, and grandchildren. We hold regular meetings with the initiative group. The municipality is preparing an assistance package for them to receive financial aid. I understand that this financial assistance will not fully compensate for the inflicted damage, but it will enable them to continue their activities,” he stated.

Tbilisi Mayor also expressed gratitude to the banking sector for offering retailers a grace period.

“I would like to personally thank the Bank of Georgia and TBC Bank for their support and sympathy towards these families, as they expressed their willingness to provide a grace period for these people who have financial obligations,” he said.

Kakha Kaladze indicated that the contractor company has been given one month to clear the territory, after which restoration work will begin, dismissing speculation about the outcomes.

“Of course, everything will be restored. We have communicated with the company that operates the territory and leases trading spaces. The company has committed to fully arranging the territory,” he concluded.