PM Warns Mayors, Gamgebelis Against Delays in Infrastructure Projects
PM Irakli Garibashvili said on March 5 that city mayors and heads (gamgebeli) of municipalities in the provinces, who were directly elected in last year’s local elections, are not “untouchable” and he would “raise the issue of their responsibility” if they delay implementation of local infrastructure projects.
He made the remarks at a government session after Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri said that although funds have been transferred to local authorities in the provinces for various planned infrastructure projects, implementation of those projects have not yet been launched because of “some bureaucratic” issues.
PM Garibashvili responded that “some bureaucratic barriers” should not hinder implementation of the projects in the regions.
“Elected mayors and gamgebelis have a sense of being untouchable – I want to tell them that they are wrong,” Garibashvili said.
“They assumed responsibility before our political force [Georgian Dream ruling coalition] and first and foremost before the people, who elected them,” he said. All the mayors and gamgebelis, elected in last year’s local elections, are from GD coalition.
“No one will escape from responsibility. If they are inefficient and are failing to fulfill their duties the issue of their responsibility will definitely be raised,” he said.
The PM called on the ministers as well to “activate” their efforts.
“I want to remind you that you will have to face responsibility if you fail to do job. We should implement all the planned projects with accelerated pace,” he said.
