Maia Tskitishvili – Asian Development Bank is our important partner and I hope that our cooperation will deepen further

Maia Tskitishvili – Asian Development Bank is our important partner and I hope that our cooperation will deepen further

Asian Development Bank (ADB) is planning to rise investments in Georgia. Construction works funded by the donor covers construction of a 24 km long road. The project includes construction of a 9 km long tunnel. Kvesheti-Kobi road section is the part of a Mtskheta-Stepantsminda-Larsi road. As for the design works, it is funded by the World Bank and is in its conclusive phase.
Today, Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, Mrs. Maia Tskitishvili, First Deputy Minister, Chairman of the Roads Department of Georgia, Mr. Irakli Karseladze and Director General of Central And West Asia Department, Asian Development Bank, Mr. Verner Lipach visited the project construction site.
“We’ve been in Georgia for 10 years and during this period we have made more than USD 2 bln investment. Right now we are getting familiar with a very interesting project which connects North and South Georgia. Because of mountainous terrain, we are expecting difficulties in terms of works. The project covers construction of a bridge and a tunnel. I am sure that this will be one of the most important projects both for Georgia and for Asian Development Bank” – Mr. Lipach said.
“Today we have visited the construction site. In addition to road building, tunnel and bridge construction are also planned. According to the assessments of our designers, this bridge will be among the Europe’s 10 best and highest bridges. It is an exceptional project for the donor as well. This year ADB is financing road and water supply projects, as well as projects from other infrastructure fields, cost of which is around Gel 360 mln.  It is an important partner and I hope that our cooperation will extend further” – Mrs. Tskitishvili said.
According to the Minister, implementation of Kvesheti-Kobi project is important for development of the country’s transit and tourist potential. 
Landslide hazard and other difficult meteorological conditions in winter times often block traffic and transit movement at Jvari Pass. Implementation of the project will solve the problem and make travel safer.  
As for the 9 km long tunnel, designed to run under Rikoti Pass, it will start at the village of Tskeresi and finish at the village of Kobi. The project will reduce travel time from Tbilisi to Larsi by 1 hour.