After concluding an active and productive 2023, Bakhvi HPP is preparing for the new year with great enthusiasm and optimism. The past year has underscored the importance of active engagement with local communities and daily communication throughout the project's implementation process. Transparency and accountability to the public will remain key priorities for Bakhvi HPP in 2024, as they have been since the project's inception. Additionally, the rigorous enforcement of environmental standards is a significant goal for the year, as emphasized by the company's director, Giorgi Abramishvili.
- Mr. Abramishvili, how do you evaluate the past year of 2023, and what are the company's plans and goals for 2024?
First and foremost, I would like to extend my New Year greetings to my beloved Gurians. I wish everyone a peaceful and successful 2024. As for Bakhvi HPP, it has been actively developing since 2021. Over the past three years, we have worked a lot and today we can already speak of significant achievements. The pre-construction and preparatory works have been conducted actively and at a high level, in full compliance with environmental standards. Now, we have successfully commenced the construction process. A clear testament to this was the media tour organized at the construction perimeter in 2023, where local journalists could witness the results of the company's relentless efforts firsthand. We are confident that with the support of the local community, we will continue to speak with the same pride about this phase as we have over the past two years. Indeed, looking back, we are proud of both the Bakhvi HPP project and the social programs aimed at improving the living conditions of people residing in the project's area of operation.
- You mentioned social projects. How fruitful was 2023 in terms of their implementation?
2023 was quite eventful regarding the execution of social programs. There was hardly any area in which Bakhvi HPP was not involved - improving rural infrastructure, supporting educational programs, promoting tourism, or other initiatives. For instance, one of our most significant and pride-worthy projects, the water system reorganization in Vaniskedi, is nearly complete. This will provide 24-hour water access to 47 families living in the village. It may be unimaginable to some that in the 21st century, people lack access to water, but this was indeed the reality in Vaniskedi, and we have consigned that reality to the past.
We also had a very fruitful and busy year in terms of the educational component of our social program. Almost every month, we planned various activities for the students of Mtispiri and Chkhakaura public schools, where specially invited guests shared their experiences with the youth. I vividly recall the competition related to Earth Day, where we identified 19 winners out of 81 participants and awarded them Book shop vouchers.
We continue to assist persons with disabilities, as it is crucial that the benefits Bakhvi HPP brings to the region are equally distributed among all members of society.
- You often mention that high-level enforcement of environmental standards is one of Bakhvi HPP’s main concerns. What challenges and achievements did you encounter in this regard in 2023?
Indeed, this is true. We believe that no project can be successful without the high-level enforcement of environmental and social standards, and we are pleased that in this respect, we are leaders not only in the region but also nationwide. Each of our projects aligns with specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as No Poverty, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Decent Work and Economic Growth.
I must highlight that our international partners monitor each of these processes. A clear example is the visit of our environmental and social issues expert, Pierre Biderman, sent by our investors to Guria in 2023. According to his assessment, the work is proceeding as planned. However, with the scale increasing in 2024, we must further emphasize environmental aspects and take appropriate measures, which we have planned accordingly.
- Tell us about the plans for 2024.
Starting from 2024, the construction of the Bakhvi 1 and Bakhvi 2 hydropower plant projects will begin on a large scale. In this process, our priority will be the implementation of environmental mitigation measures, following the action plan prescribed by international experts, including British Nicola Falks and French Pierre Biderman during the EIA stage. In terms of environmental measures, we are initiating another proud and large-scale project – reforestation. As you know, our action plan is in line with international best practices and standards. However, I must also mention that in some cases, we have shown goodwill during the development of various measures. For example, we planned the reforestation project, which will cover 60 hectares in the municipalities of Ozurgeti and Chokhatauri. I believe that not only we but also future generations will be proud of this project. We will do our utmost to build a hydropower plant with you that will make its mark in both energy security and the establishment of high environmental and social standards."