Georgia is improving water supply and sanitation services in its provincial towns. The Asian Development Bank is supporting the government program through a series of loans worth $500 million. The program will bring 24/7 water to more than 335,000 people across the country.
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Georgia is rich in water resources. But 30 per cent of its urban population lives without piped water at home.
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Half of those with water at home only have service 3-4 hours a day.
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Georgia now plans to bring 24/7 water supply to all urban residents by 2020.
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Giorgi Koberidze, Head of Water Supply, United Water Supply Co. of Georgia
“This is a $500 million project we are implementing in different regions in the country.
“By 2019, all work will be completed, be it piping, water purification, or else.
“When done, people will receive 24/7 water services.”
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In Kutaisi, Soviet-era water infrastructure is being upgraded and new services rolled out.
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Tamara Makhviladze, Kutaisi resident
“In the past, I would wake up early every morning to do the dishes because I knew there would be no water later in the day.
“I would wash whatever I could and leave the rest for the following day.
“Now I can do the dishes or wash the clothes whenever I want.
“There is no comparison with how things used to be.”
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In Kutaisi, over 250 kms of pipes are being replaced and 5 new reservoirs are under construction.
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The first phase of construction took three years.
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When phase two is complete, the entire population in Kutaisi will have water.
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In all, ADB is financing work to upgrade water infrastructure in six provincial towns.
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Bringing water and sanitation services to 335,000 people.
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Water metering is also being introduced in homes.
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Nugzar Patsatsia, Poti Service Center Manager, United Water Supply Co. of Georgia
“Here in Poti, the entire city was metered and all work at the reservoir was completed.
“Poti residents now receive water services in their homes.
“They get water supply 24/7, and that is a gift to the city.”
