Tbilisi Water Company on Sale

Tbilisi Water ? the water distribution company responsible for supplying potable water to the residents of the capital and currently owned by the municipality – is to be privatized.

The deadline for the submission of bids expires on September 20, according to the Georgian Economy Ministry.

Bids should include the proposed purchase price and an enterprise development plan indicating the volume and timeline of intended investments.

Mtskheta water supply system, Gardabani sewerage cleaning system and Zhinvali hydro power plant are also up for sale. The water reservoir in Zhinvali is also used to supply the capital with potable water.

Water charges in Tbilisi doubled this January and now amount to GEL 2.4 per family member per month. Organizations and enterprises, however, pay according to usage. They pay GEL 4.4 per cubic meter, up from GEL 2.5.

Opponents fear that the privatizations will mean further price hikes.

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