Tbilisi Mayor vows to resolve all issues after heavy rainfall flooded several streets, causing infrastructure challenges

“Heavy rainfall has caused flooding across several streets, disrupting residents. I want to reassure citizens that we will tackle every issue thoroughly,” Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze addressed the situation during a meeting of the municipal government.

The Mayor also outlined the root causes of the flooding, noting that the city faces a severe systemic challenge regarding its underground utility and drainage infrastructure. He emphasised that these long-standing issues are being dealt with step by step.

“As you know, the intense rainfall over a short period flooded several streets, causing significant problems for residents. We have clear data on the specific areas affected by the weather. There is not a single location where our municipal services or local district staff have not deployed to engage directly with the public. Wherever there was a need, we were on the ground.

I want to reassure the public once again that every single issue will be resolved. While the severe weather has put a strain on our infrastructure, everything will be repaired and all damage rectified.

When it comes to why specific streets flood, we face two main issues. The first is that drainage grates get blocked by fallen branches, leaves, and debris. This is a constant hurdle. The second is the broader absence or obsolescence of drainage networks. This is precisely why, since 2017, whenever we launch rehabilitation works on streets and avenues, the absolute first thing we do is overhaul the underground utilities.

We have said this many times, and I will repeat it: we face a serious citywide challenge with underground infrastructure. That is why, wherever we begin work, replacing, fixing, and upgrading the subterranean network is our top priority. Naturally, we cannot fix everything at once, but step by step, every problem will be addressed and resolved,” Kakha Kaladze has stated.