Ombudsman meets residents of Oni district in Racha

ombudsman.ge

On May 31, Public Defender heard about a lot of problems during his meeting with the population of Oni district: poor infrastructure; unemployment; low social status; lack of natural gas supply that hinders not only domestic comfort but also minor business development; there is no notary in Oni and Ambrolauri district, that complicates verification of different property. The leaving houses affected by the earthquake of 2009 are still absorbed. 

On June 1, Public Defender met the residents of mountainous community of Glola, Gebi and Tchiora and listened their problems. According to locals, life become particularly difficult in the strict winter when they cannot purchase firewood because relevant permits are issued late. It is also difficult for wood-workshops to get licenses. In fact there are no working places and population earns their living from the cultivation of small plots. Because of the poor road, the infrastructure is not developed and a doctor arrives at the outpatients office only once per month.

Difficult living conditions increased migration level. If the rate of outflow is kept the territories will be completely abandoned in several years. It should be noted that all three villages are located in the 87 km border zone and if they are emptied, it will have negative impact on the state security. 

The Public Defender also visited the so-called Border village of Iri, met local residents, and heard their problems. They detected tendency of the population reduction in Iri too. 

Meeting with Racha residents revealed serious problems. Public Defender thinks that the government should urgently conduct comprehensive analysis of the challenges in the mountainous regions and work out special plan for the use of industrial potential of the region. Creation of working places will stop migration process and even more, already migrated population will also return to mountainous Racha. 

Public Defender thinks it is necessary to develop special law about the mountainous regions that will regulate the status of the regions, promote reduction of migration process and improve demographic picture of the country. 

After a thorough analysis of the problems of mountainous villages of Racha, the Ombudsman will develop relevant recommendations and suggestions to corresponding governmental institutions.