The Mayor of Tbilisi addressed the city`s dilapidated housing crisis at municipal government meeting, expressing condolences to families affected by the recent building collapse.

"I want to start today`s meeting with the tragic incident that occurred several days ago in the Didube district on Tevdore Mghvdeli Street. Unfortunately, the collapse of a dilapidated building, this unfortunate incident, caused the death of two people. I want to express my condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. This is all very difficult.

Dilapidated property in the capital is one of the most serious challenges we face. It can be directly stated that a certain portion of the buildings in Tbilisi, which we have counted, approximately 10 000 buildings, are in emergency condition, which have been assigned different categories of structural deterioration. These residential buildings require demolition, renovation, and replacement with new residential buildings.

I want to address one issue that is quite relevant and represents a huge challenge for the municipality. When it comes to replacements, residents in dilapidated buildings often request larger living spaces than they currently have. However, the municipality lacks both the authority and capacity to provide additional space; this can only be facilitated by an investor. Unfortunately, the municipality does not have the right or means to do so.

I truly understand those who hold back. I spoke about this a few days ago and want to emphasise it once more. Many people understandably feel apprehensive, given historical instances where residents were left disappointed and their expectations unmet. Construction companies that committed to projects years ago failed to fulfil their obligations, leaving many agreements unfulfilled. In the capital alone, there were countless buildings with unfinished structures, and a frustrated, anxious population waiting decades for their rightful homes. I wholeheartedly empathise with their concerns.

But in these specific cases, we are talking about municipal involvement - about us, the municipality, a government entity standing behind you to ensure that the residential building will indeed be constructed… The most crucial point is that residents living in these emergency buildings will not have to pay anything. The municipality provides rental support, covering your accommodation until the construction is finished. It will take around one and a half, possibly two years at most, to complete the work, after which you will receive apartments of the same size in newly constructed, fully renovated residential buildings. These apartments will be modernised and arranged to meet all standards", - said Kakha Kaladze.