Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

print

share

Solomon Pavliashvili and Papuna Margvelidze got acquainted with the ecological condition in the Tsana village.

The Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili, accompanied by the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti State Representative, Mr.  Papuna Margvelidze, got acquainted with the ecological condition in the village of Tsana, Svaneti region.

Since the closure of mining and chemical facilities in the region throughout the 1990s, there has been a challenging ecological condition at the sites of arsenic-containing waste in the village of Tsana, with arsenic-containing waste left in the open air without control.

Recently, the Government of Georgia has started working on the mentioned problem by launching a ‘’project of historical significance’’ through coordination with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.

"Over the last 30 years, no government team has been able to make a decision, and this issue is being solved under the ruling Georgian Dream Party.
Currently, embankment works and the construction of a protective wall have already started. Next year, the construction of the sarcophagus will begin. All these activities will provide a safe environment for the health of the local community while minimizing the impact on nature. Moreover, the road connecting the Kvemo Svaneti and Zemo Svaneti regions runs in this area, which attracts tourists. Therefore, after the completion of the project, the tourism potential of this area will expand even further," said Mr. Solomon Pavliashvili.

According to Mr.  Margvelidze, State Representative for Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, the process of resolving the mentioned issue is underway, and particular steps have already been taken. Last year, contaminated sites were fenced, thus preventing human and animal access to dangerous locations. Meanwhile, a decision was made to clean up arsenic-contaminated areas in Lentekhi municipality and make a specific burial ground.
Under the decree of the Government of Georgia, the Nuclear and Radiation Safety Agency LLC  has been determined as the Agency responsible for the systematic management of waste disposal sites generated by the processing of arsenic-containing ore in the territory of Tsana village, Lentekhi Municipality.