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The problem related to the unpleasant smell of fish was discussed in Poti City Hall
The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Levan Davitashvili and Governor of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region Aleksandre Moserelia met with the local residents and representatives of the fish processing company in Poti. The Minister noted, that the agreement has been reached, according to which the residents of Poti shouldn’t suffer from unbearable smell of fish caused by fish production process. Consequently, all enterprises that do not comply with the norms will be suspended.
“ According to our legislation, sanctions and penalties will be imposed to the companies in case of the negative impact on the environment. If we consider long-term plans, the sanctions should be tightened, government has already presented this initiative to the Parliament of Georgia. As for the short-term plan, during the season, the working group together with the governor and the civil society will work actively to ensure that the same company in case of violations of rules will be suspended. It should be noted, that unpleasant smell was caused by unhealthy raw material base, as the products were not delivered to the enterprises. Most companies have modern filters and air purifiers, however, the claim on how water is being used is exists. Measures will be taken in these enterprises in accordance with the law ”Levan Davitashvili said.
The Governor of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, Alexander Motserelia noted, that all relevant agencies are working to deal with this problem.
“At present, about 60 tons of residues are left in these companies, that will be processed in one of the factories under the supervision of civil activists and working group. After that, the factories will stop to work. Of course, the demand of the population is fair. The working group, together with the specialists from the Department of Environmental Supervision and the National Food Agency will continue to work to solve all above mentioned issues in a legal context and allow companies to better understand the conditions under which fish can be processed so that the population will not be harmed ” the Governor said.
On the initiative of government officials, an initiative group has been created to bring together local citizens, government officials and owners of fish processing plants. The working group will have an active communication with the representatives of government and monitor how to deal with the existing problem in Poti.
The officials of the Department of Environmental Supervision and the National Food Agency attended the meeting.
After the meeting, the Minister along with the State representative and local residents visited fish processing plants and fishing harbors, where anchovy fish is unloaded .
At present, 4 fish processing plants operate in Poti, whereby, relevant departments are thoroughly observing and studying the compliance of norms in these companies .