Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze addressed the city’s dilapidated housing crisis at today’s municipal government meeting, expressing condolences to families affected by the recent fatal building collapse while outlining the challenges facing the municipality’s building replacement program.
Speaking at the meeting, Kaladze once again offered condolences to the families of those who died in the collapse near Station Square, emphasising the gravity of the situation facing the capital’s ageing housing stock.
“I want to begin today’s meeting with the tragic incident that occurred several days ago in the Didube district on Tevdore Mghvdeli Street,” Kaladze said.
“Unfortunately, the collapse of a dilapidated building, this unfortunate incident, caused the death of two people. I want to express my condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. This is all very difficult,” Kaladze stated.
The mayor revealed that Tbilisi currently has approximately 10,000 buildings classified with various degrees of structural deterioration.
“Dilapidated property in the capital is one of the most serious challenges we face. It can be directly stated that a certain portion of the buildings in Tbilisi, which we have counted, approximately ten thousand buildings, are in emergency condition, which have been assigned different categories of structural deterioration. These residential buildings require demolition, renovation, and replacement with new residential buildings,” Kaladze explained.
However, the mayor highlighted a significant obstacle to the replacement program: residents of dilapidated buildings frequently request larger apartments than their current living spaces, something the municipality cannot legally provide.
“I want to address one issue that is quite relevant and represents a huge challenge for the municipality. When it comes to replacements, residents in dilapidated buildings often request larger living spaces than they currently have. However, the municipality lacks both the authority and capacity to provide additional space; this can only be facilitated by an investor. Unfortunately, the municipality does not have the right or means to do so,” said Kaladze.
The mayor acknowledged residents’ concerns, which stem from past experiences with unsuccessful private development projects that left many without proper housing for decades.
“I truly understand those who hold back. I spoke about this a few days ago and want to emphasise it once more. Many people understandably feel apprehensive, given historical instances where residents were left disappointed and their expectations unmet. Construction companies that committed to projects years ago failed to fulfil their obligations, leaving many agreements unfulfilled. In the capital alone, there were countless buildings with unfinished structures, and a frustrated, anxious population waiting decades for their rightful homes. I wholeheartedly empathise with their concerns,” Kaladze explained.
However, the Tbilisi Mayor emphasised that the current municipal program offers unparalleled guarantees and support, distinguishing it from previous private sector initiatives.
“But in these specific cases, we are talking about municipal involvement—about us, the municipality, a government entity standing behind you to ensure that the residential building will indeed be constructed,” Kaladze emphasised.
The mayor outlined the comprehensive support package available to residents participating in the replacement program. This includes complete coverage of temporary rental housing provided by the municipality during the construction period, ensuring residents face no financial burden throughout the process. The construction timeline is projected to be approximately one and a half to two years at most. Upon completion, residents will be provided with fully renovated apartments that match the size of their current living spaces, with comprehensive municipal oversight ensuring the project’s successful and timely realisation.
“The most crucial point is that residents living in these emergency buildings will not have to pay anything. The municipality provides rental support, covering your accommodation until the construction is finished. It will take around one and a half, possibly two years at most, to complete the work, after which you will receive apartments of the same size in newly constructed, fully renovated residential buildings. These apartments will be modernised and arranged to meet all standards,” he assured.
Kaladze concluded by urging residents to seize this opportunity, describing it as a crucial chance for meaningful improvement that should not be missed.
“I believe this is a very significant opportunity—an invitation to participate in this program. The government stands behind you to ensure that the buildings will be constructed. This is an amazing chance, and we must take full advantage of it,” he urged.
On July 14, part of a residential building near the Station Square in Tbilisi collapsed. Two people lost their lives in the incident, and one injured individual was wounded.
