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Modern water supply system in Adjara

The EU, Germany and KfW support creating a modern water supply system and wastewater treatment in Ajara

10/04/2024

With the EU and German support, a groundbreaking event took place in Ochkhamuri, Kobuleti, to mark the beginning of the Ajara Rural Water and Wastewater Treatment Programme. The event signified the commencement of construction works for the Programme in Kobuleti.  The programme aims to create modern water supply and wastewater systems in 39 Ajara villages and semi-urban areas.

Tornike Rizhvadze, chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, inaugurated the event and delivered a welcome speech. The event united high-level officials from the Ajara Government, representatives from the EU Delegation to Georgia, the German Development Cooperation, members of the Ajara Water Alliance and local community representatives.

Official representatives broke ground in Ochkhamuri, symbolising the start of the works. Additionally, the Director of Ajara Water Alliance delivered a presentation outlining the forthcoming construction activities. As part of the programme, plans are in place to construct seven water reservoirs, three water intakes, and five wastewater treatment plants for selected territories in Kobuleti. 

“Water is the ultimate natural resource which is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Thus, the cooperation between the EU-Government of Ajara-KfW, various operators and other affected parties is key for sustainable water management in areas facing shortages,” stated Andrea Baggioli, Programme Officer for Infrastructure, Energy and Water, IR Coordination at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.

“This project is another successful example for Team Europe. Through the support, not only basic living conditions can be improved but it also provides new opportunities for tourism and jobs,” stated Lidija Christmann, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy in Tbilisi. 

“This groundbreaking ceremony represents a significant step towards securing a reliable water and wastewater infrastructure. The programme will provide clean, uninterrupted water service and proper wastewater discharge to the population of Ajara, addressing challenges that have persisted for years,” said the Director of Ajara Water Alliance – Teimuraz Bedinadze. 

In collaboration with the EU, the German Development Cooperation via the KfW Development Bank, and the Government of Ajara, this programme aims to improve access to clean and sustainable drinking water and adequately discharged wastewater services, ultimately achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The undertaken measures elevate hygiene standards and enhance the overall quality of everyday life in the communities.

Key programme Outcomes:

  • Continues water Supply: Following project implementation, municipalities will have 24/7 access to water, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply for residents;
  • Efficient Wastewater Management: The project will introduce a systematic approach to wastewater management, addressing environmental concerns and contributing to sustainable community development;
  • Improved Quality of Life: Enhanced hygiene standards and consistent water services will significantly contribute to an improved quality of life for residents in the villages;
  • Tourism Development: The program’s positive impact on local infrastructure and services is anticipated to stimulate tourism, as it is one of the main economic directions of the region;
  • Community Empowerment: Local community members will actively participate in installing and maintaining the systems. Moreover, the programme creates new job opportunities for residents;
  • Educational activities: Alongside infrastructural development, educational activities are carried out as a part of the programme to promote responsible water use and conservation, as well as empowering communities to manage their wastewater systems and septic tanks properly;

About the programme

The Ajara Rural Water Supply and Wastewater Programme is organised in the framework of the Georgian cooperation with Germany and the European Union with co-financing by KfW Development Bank (EUR 43 million) and the European Union (6.95 million) and a local contribution of the government of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara (EUR 54.6 million). Further financing from German Development Cooperation via the KFW Development Bank of EUR 10.3 million is under preparation and will be available in spring 2024.

The measures implemented will improve the level of hygiene and everyday life quality in the villages and stimulate tourism development.   The Programme is implemented by the Ajara Water Alliance (AWA), a joint stock company (JSC) established by all Ajara municipalities and the government of Ajara. 

Construction works are planned for the following areas: 

Municipality of Khulo: Semi-urban area of khulo, Dioknisi, Duadzeebi, Okruashvilebi, Dzirkvadzeebi, Gurdzauli, Dekanashvilebi, Zeda Dekanashvilebi, Tkhiladziri, Kveda Vaslovani, Ganakhleba, Dzmagula;

Municipality of Shuakhevi: Semi-urban area of Shuakhevi, Tbeti, Gogadzeebi, Kviakhidzeebi, Janivri, Brili, Zemo Khevi, Baratauli, Varjanauli, Gomarduli, Chala, Tskarota, Skhepi, Skhepela, Goreketi, Ternali, Tsankalauri; 

Municipality of Keda: Semi-urban area of Keda, Tibeta, Arsenauli, Milisi, Uchkhiti, Kosopeli, Vaio, Akutsa; 

Municipality of Khelvachauri: Erge, Jocho, Kirnati, Kobaleti; 

Municipality of Kobuleti: Kveda Kvirike, Mukhaestate settlement, Chakvistavi, Tsestskhlauri, Jikhanjuri, Ochkhamuri;

Contact info: Elene Nogaideli, 
Email: elene.nogaideli@macsonline.de
Tel: 558164141