Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze on Monday pledged two-way traffic on central Tsereteli Avenue was expected to resume by the end of January, despite the recent termination of cooperation between the City Hall and two companies responsible for the avenue's rehabilitation.
The City Hall has recently terminated its agreements with these companies, citing their failure to fulfill contractual obligations.Kaladze, expressing his responsibility to the people of Tbilisi, mentioned that he had extended the deadline for the companies multiple times, but without success. The Mayor assured that a new contractor was being sought to replace them, and he expected the restoration of two-way traffic by the end of January. However, Kaladze did not specify the completion date for the full rehabilitation, including the sidewalks.
"It is crucial for the movement to be restored by the end of January for us to function effectively. My team and I need the road infrastructure of Tsereteli Avenue to be finished by then," he said.
To find a new contractor, the City Hall has announced a simplified procurement valued at 17,704,253 GEL. The tender documentation, dated January 15, says that the works should be completed by January 31, 2024, from the contract signing date.
In a letter, the City Hall explained that periodic inspections revealed non-compliance with contractual obligations and various violations, leading to the decision to terminate the agreements. The works were reportedly subpar, and delays and damages were observed.The City Hall emphasized the urgency of continuous rehabilitation on Tsereteli Avenue to ensure safety for pedestrians and motorists. The termination letter also mentions that the companies will be deprived of their bank guarantee for contract performance in favor of the City Hall."We consider it an urgent necessity for the rehabilitation works to continue without interruption, ensuring completion within the optimal timeframe. This will prevent additional financial resources from being needed for repairing defects caused by mechanical injuries,” Tbilisi City Hall said.
