Mikheil Saakashvili visited one of the oldest neighborhoods of Gori today and inspected the construction works within the scope of the rehabilitation project, which envisions completely rebuilding the local infrastructure and replacing the communication system. Facades of up to 100 houses will be renovated and a stone road will be built along the way.

The President noted that not only will the construction work restore the original appearance of Gori, but new cultural and tourist centers will be created, which means additional income for the local population, as they are personally involved in the development. According to Mikheil Saakashvili, the fact that Gori will be involved in the decentralization of the country, just like Signagi, Batumi and Kutaisi is also important. It is planned to relocate the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories and Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia to Gori in the near future. As a result of this initiative, the local population will have a chance to become employed along with the employees from Tbilisi. As the President noted, the industrial zone should expand and move towards Gori, which will assist the facilities and development of the local economy. He added that the facilities alongside the new highway, employing more than 1200 people, are good examples of the success of this process in the past.

“Gori should be an absolute pearl on the map of Georgia. It is truly a hero city” – noted the Head of State during a meeting with the local citizens. He drew attention to the tourist potential of the city and expressed hope that soon the new neighborhood will become as appealing as the rehabilitated parts of Signagi, Kutaisi and Batumi. The President also talked about the importance of regional progress and creation of new tourism centers. The Governor of the region personally familiarized the President with future plans, projects and rehabilitation works.

The Metropolitan Bishop of Samtavisi and Gori blessed Mikheil Saakashvili today and thanked him for starting the rehabilitation works.