Georgian PM: Georgia has potential to lead in water resource strategy

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday addressed participants of the International Water Future Forum, emphasising that his Government’s approach to the water sector was based on fairness, social responsibility, and strong state oversight.

“I am pleased that Georgia is hosting the first International Water Future Forum. Water is one of our most important national assets. In the 21st century, when water scarcity has become a global challenge, the importance of water is far greater - it is the foundation of life, health, and a dignified standard of living for our citizens”, he said.

The PM further noted that Georgia’s geographical position gave it significant potential in this field.

“Georgia, as a key hub in the Black Sea and Caspian Sea region, has the potential to become a leader in strategic water resource management. Our goal is to set an example of how a state can manage its natural resources wisely and sovereignly”, the Prime Minister stated.

Kobakhidze highlighted that achieving this goal required overcoming existing challenges and fundamentally upgrading infrastructure, and further added that ensuring 24-hour access to safe drinking water for every household required replacing thousands of kilometers of outdated pipelines, building new treatment facilities, and introducing modern technologies.

“That is why we are choosing a pragmatic path of development. Our partnership with the global leader company Aqualia serves precisely this purpose. This cooperation makes the best international experience in the sector accessible to our country. It means that Georgia’s water sector is developing in line with European standards, which will ultimately be reflected in the well-being of our population”, he noted.

“Our approach is state oversight based on justice and social responsibility, and directing investments toward the real recovery of the system. We are laying a solid foundation to leave future generations with well-functioning infrastructure that meets modern standards”, Kobakhidze concluded.