Those in Khelvachauri District Constantly Face Landslide Zone

Maka Malakmadze, Batumi

The family of Chkhubadzes, the inhabitants of Khelvachauri District is demanding that their house and yard were examined by professional geologists. They live in landslide zone and try not to spend nights at home during periods of bad weather. The family considers that their house is dangerous to their personal safety because of its location.

People mostly live in landslide zone in Khelvachauri District, Adjara Autonomous Republic. Several houses were examined several months ago when there was a landslide in the district. The experts from special commission which arrived from Tbilisi examined the houses and advised the families to leave them as they were too dangerous to live. However, most of them have not left the houses as they have no place to go.

In addition, some families were not even examined by the commission. However, it is obvious from simple observation that it is not safe for people to stay there. The family of Chkhubadzes is not an exception. The rain causes threat for the family. That’s why they spend nights at the homes of their neighbors and relatives.

“The landslides that occurred several months ago brought down soil from my neighbor’s yard and now even tangerine trees from above are located in my yard. Even thought my yard was cleaned but how long shall we live like this?! A landslide might take my house next!” says Nugzar Chkhubadze.

The family of Chkhubadzes demands that their house and yard were examined by geologists. If the geologists confirm that it is dangerous to live there, the family will have to move from the house. However, the family is content to leave the house if only they are resettled on the territory of Adjara Autonomous Republic.

Several families face similar problems in Charnali village. Vladimir Khimshiashvili, Charnali Village representative in Khelvachauri District Governor’s Office said that the government will help the Chkhubadze family but he can not specify when this will happen.