In accordance with Article 149 of the Rules of Procedure, the Infrastructure Minister, Revaz Sokhadze, reported to the Parliament within an interpellation procedure.

68 questions were directed to the Minister by the Faction “Georgian Dream” concerning the ongoing and scheduled infrastructural projects, construction and rehabilitation of the educational, sports and cultural institutions and facilities, the water and sewerage projects, the construction of the highways and the local roads. The Minister introduced information about the reforms and accentuated the challenges, addressing which is imperative for the Ministry.

“The interpellation format is particularly important both from the standpoint of accountability and in terms of ensuring public and transparent discussion. I would like to inform you about the activities of the ministry, which are of great interest to both you and the citizens of our country.
In April of this year, the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure was divided into two independent agencies. This required a comprehensive review of the administrative system, redistribution of functions, reorganization of subordinate structures, and subsequent stabilization of processes.
As of today, the system of the Ministry of Infrastructure includes the Road Department, the Municipal Development Fund, and the United Water Supply Company of Georgia. Accordingly, the ministry’s activities cover the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of international and domestic highways, as well as projects in municipalities for the development of schools, kindergartens, sports and social infrastructure facilities, recreational spaces, urban renewal, and the improvement of water supply and sewerage systems”, - the reporter noted.

As for the lingering challenges, a number of problems were identified during the study of the activities of the Municipal Development Fund, specifically, 214 projects, 161 of which were problematic, the total value of which exceeded 1 million GEL. 122 problematic projects were outlined out of 135 projects of the Road Department, which indicates the delayed and protracted works. The delay in work and the gaps in the design documents were detected in certain projects of the water supply company.

“We have set a goal for several agencies within the ministry’s system to undergo a complete reorganisation and institutional reform. This will transform them into modern, efficient and transparent organisations focused on the high-quality management of infrastructure and social projects.
To achieve this goal and develop an institutional modernisation program, specific steps have been taken. These include simplifying the organisational structure, strengthening supervision and financial control, introducing digital management systems and implementing new standards for human resource development.
We have taken a clear course towards quality-oriented governance, which required time to thoroughly study projects, identify shortcomings and redefine priorities. New structures have also been established - in the areas of technical supervision, project management, and quality control. Our task is both simple and complex at the same time - to do things the right way. This is our responsibility and our obligation”, - the Minister stated.

The Speaker, Shalva Papuashvili thanked the Minister for the information submitted within an interpellation: “Interpellation is an interesting format, and following the amendments made to the Rules of Procedure, you are the first minister to appear before Parliament under the renewed interpellation format. It is noteworthy that under this format, any parliamentary Faction or a group of seven members of Parliament has the right to initiate the procedure.

Let me remind you that during any plenary week, it is possible to summon any accountable official for questioning through interpellation. Why is this important?

Interpellation is a constitutional instrument; however, in practice, it has been used rather rarely. For instance, last year, during the sessions of the previous convocation of Parliament, the opposition applied this mechanism at all. Therefore, this was the reason behind making the instrument more flexible, so that it would now be possible to hear the accountable officials during every plenary week”.