Infrastructure Minister: Georgia aims to speed up school construction without compromising quality

Regional Development and Infrastructure Minister Revaz Sokhadze on Saturday pledged to speed up school construction without compromising quality, outlining plans to rebuild Tbilisi Public School No. 166 and expand the use of modular schools in the regions.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Sokhadze discussed the demolition and reconstruction of Tbilisi Public School No. 166 and answered questions from Associate Professor Maia Gelashvili about the project’s timeline.

He noted that the school itself was carrying out the demolition, while the Municipal Development Fund was preparing the construction project so that building work could begin as soon as demolition was completed.

“We expect to be ready to announce a construction tender with the relevant project by the end of this year. As for responsibility for quality, I can say that I will be responsible for it and will oversee the construction of all schools to ensure they meet quality standards. Quality is our top priority”, Sokhadze said.

He estimated that rebuilding School No. 166 would take approximately three years.

“We will do everything possible to accelerate school construction because this is a serious challenge for families and children. However, speed must not come at the expense of quality”, the Minister added.

Sokhadze further discussed the modular school programme, saying that although the initiative had become a subject of ridicule for some, it was intended to help children in regions where school renovations force them to attend classes in neighbouring villages.

He said demand for the programme was high and that the ministry had already identified the locations for the first 10 modular schools.