Minister of Energy of Georgia Kakha Kaladze made important statements regarding Khudoni hydroelectric power plant and discussed resettlement problem which arose during project implementation process.

Kaladze denied the fact entire Khudoni population was against the construction of the power plant. He mentioned existence of certain interest groups behind the project and particular radical group of people where threatening others with expelling them from the village, reports GHN.

“Investor should be given opportunity to enter every single family and talk with them instead of meeting 20- 30 people. “ he told.

According to the Minister it has been agreed with the investor that the lands would be returned to local population and registered as their property. He added that after land measuring procedures amount of compensation per household would be determined.

Kaladze pointed out that the investing party has made an important proposal: “Investors are ready to decide on a nearby place together with (Khudoni) local residents where new, ultra-modern village with a quality infrastructure could be built.”

Vice Prime Minister discarded feasibility of any alternative project referring to changing the location of the project and named the current 702 MW project as most efficient in terms of producing energy or bringing economic benefits to the country.

Energy Minister made assurance that project would not violate interests of any parties involved:
“First of all I am pointing out that everything will be done in a way which will not violate interests of local population, and also investor’s and state’s interests. I am sure we will manage to assure local residents about the importance of the project for our country, for local population themselves and – Svaneti to survive.”