On 10 July 2025, Bakhvi HPP held the first field meeting of the year for its Environmental and Social Advisory Council. The council, composed of independent experts and stakeholders, convened alongside Bakhvi HPP’s management team to inspect ongoing construction activities across various project sites situated in the Bakhvistskali River valley.
The visit included the completed infrastructure of Bakhvi 2B HPP, where installation of hydromechanical equipment is currently underway. Simultaneously, construction on Bakhvi 2A and Bakhvi 1 HPPs—as well as on the water intakes and penstock systems—is advancing in full swing. Council members, accompanied by the project’s senior engineers, toured each critical site of the development.
“I did not expect the construction to be at such an advanced stage,” said Ia Mamaladze, founder of Guria News and member of the Advisory Council. “What stands out most is that the active construction zones are relatively compact. I had imagined a much wider area would be affected. It’s evident that project managers are taking care to minimize environmental disruption and mitigate potential damage wherever possible.”
“Our objective is to complete all three construction phases by the end of the year,” noted Archil Dzeneladze, Technical Director of Bakhvi HPP. “As you saw, Bakhvi 2B is already finished. We expect to complete Bakhvi 2A by the end of August. The most technically complex part—Bakhvi 1 HPP—is targeted for completion by the end of December.”
Following the site inspection, council members reconvened at the construction camp in the village of Ukanava for a working session. During the meeting, the project team delivered comprehensive updates on construction progress, environmental and social initiatives, occupational health and safety measures, and stakeholder engagement outcomes.
Giorgi Abramishvili, Director of Bakhvi HPP, addressed the council with gratitude: “We deeply value the continued involvement of each council member. Since 2021, we have moved forward together—no major step has been taken without your insight. We have all learned a great deal from one another. I want to sincerely thank you for your voluntary and consistent engagement. I truly believe that very soon, each of us will be able to proudly say, ‘I build Bakhvi HPP.’ Until then, let me affirm that we, as the management team, are delivering on our promises. We are building to European standards, prioritizing environmental care, protecting human wellbeing, and contributing meaningfully to regional development. Our meticulously implemented Environmental Action Plan, our social programs, our commitment to health and safety, and the quality of construction itself all stand as tangible evidence.”
During the working session, Advisory Council members received an in-depth overview of both the construction progress and the implementation of environmental and social programs. The agenda included a presentation by the Health and Safety Department, as well as a comprehensive report on transparency, communications, and stakeholder engagement. As part of its employment commitments, Bakhvi HPP continues to prioritize local workforce integration. Of the more than 200 people currently employed across the three sites, 81 are residents of surrounding communities. In addition, the company favors local suppliers and service providers whenever heavy machinery rentals, logistics, or procurement needs arise.
The meeting concluded with agreement on the Council’s 2025 engagement program, which will focus on enhancing the information flow and active participation of each member throughout the remainder of the year.
#WeDeliverOnOurPromises