The President of Georgia toured the rehabilitated hydro electric power plant “Alazani I” on the Alazani River and drew attention to the importance of hydro power plants for the Kakheti Region. Mikheil Saakashvili spoke about the hydro energy potential of the country and the construction of such plants. The Head of State also mentioned the process of rebuilding the country and noted that progress is clearly visible, which according to him is a result of correct reforms, defeated corruption and talented people.

“Georgia has emerged as the main alternative in the Post-Soviet space. Not because we are competing with someone, but because we are thinking about our country. We have nothing to compete about with anyone – we just want them to return our territories and leave us alone. Georgia, which has no oil and gas is implementing new energy projects, building roads in every direction, developing existing cities and building a new city, developing the economy, and improving credit ratings at a time when these indicators are decreasing around the world. Despite the existing challenges and the fact that part of our territory is occupied and we are being threatened and blackmailed, our country is advancing. This can be explained by the combination of two factors – the right reforms implemented in Georgia and the limitless talent of our people. This includes our energy projects. The main reason why so much is being built in Georgia is because of the absence of corruption. No matter how much oil and gas you have, if there are conditions of corruption there’s no way you can achieve positive results. What we have done would be impossible in any other situation” – stated the President of Georgia.

Mikheil Saakashvili also spoke about the program of building small and medium hydro electric power plants. According to him, implementing this project is extremely important for the country. Increasing energy supplies means that the country will never go dark again and people will have a new source of income. The President specifically thanked the energy experts who have been working 24 hours per day despite the harsh natural conditions, and have created a safe system of energy supply. Mikheil Saakashvili especially distinguished the project, accomplished in the shortest amount of time, which has given Svaneti a more stable supply of electricity.

“Our fight for megawatts continues so that Georgia will never go dark again. The country and the region now have a new power plant and there is a similar power plant being built at the lower end of this river as well. This is our small hydro electric power plant program. Not only are we building large plants but small ones too. I would like to note that our energy experts have committed an act of heroism. We created a new line in Mestia. We have installed an electricity line on a higher pass than anyone ever did during the times of the Soviet Union. We have erected up to 250 towers in the worst possible weather conditions. The order was clear – Mestia must have safe electricity on New Year’s Eve. New tourist projects are being implemented in Mestia and Svaneti in general, small facilities must be created and we will need a lot more electricity. This was really an act of heroism from the side of our energy experts. The Alazani plant is really important for Kakheti in order for the region to be safe and well-supplied” – noted Mikheil Saakashvili.

The rehabilitation of the “Alazani I” hydro electric power plant was implemented by a member of the largest holding company “The Georgian Industrial Group” - “The International Georgian Energy Corporation”.  The project employed up to 100 local residents. The second part of the project envisions building a new plant “Alazani II” the construction of which will start in January 2013 and will end in the fall of 2013.