The Mayor of Tbilisi once again – after the building collapse on the Station Square - urges citizens to take advantage of the Hazardous Building Replacement Program.

"In 2021, we made a commitment to the public that we would implement a targeted program aimed at replacing such buildings. No one should be under the illusion that all unsafe buildings can be replaced within a few years as this is simply unrealistic. We frequently encounter challenges when residents of unsafe buildings request more living space than they actually occupy. Unfortunately, the municipality is not in a position to meet such demands. At the same time, I fully understand those residents who are hesitant or afraid. This is precisely where the municipality`s involvement becomes necessary. The government is acting as your guarantor and provides assistance. The most important point is that residents will not have to bear any costs and the City Hall will arrange rental housing, and after approximately a year and a half to two years, residents will receive an apartment in a newly constructed building equivalent in size to the one they previously occupied.

In recent days, a great deal of false information has been spread, suggesting that it is supposedly possible to replace a building without 100% consent from its residents. This is 100% untrue. According to the law, no one other than the legal owner has the authority to manage, dispose of, or exert any influence over their property. Only the property owner holds such authority. As for the City Assembly`s resolution, which has been extensively cited as an "argument", I will once again provide clarification. This resolution applies solely in cases where the area is geologically hazardous, poses risks, and is deemed unsuitable for any kind of development from an urban planning perspective. In such cases, we are granted the right to initiate the process without 100% consent, but this pertains only to preliminary steps, such as preparing the project - not relocating residents.

I would once again like to address all families, individuals living in hazardous buildings – please, take advantage of Hazardous Building Replacement Program offered by the municipality. We are not offering anything harmful, there is nothing to fear, we stand with you in every possible way. The municipality, state agencies are behind you and assume full responsibility for ensuring that construction works will be completed. You will have the opportunity to continue life in safe conditions. We also have a dedicated program for historic districts, where, with the involvement of investors, we are offering residents opportunity to renovate, rehabilitate their unsafe residential spaces. Buildings with cultural heritage status are of great value to us", - said Kakha Kaladze.