Former Investment Fund chief challenges charges over hydropower project overspending

The former head of Georgia’s Partnership Fund has questioned why he is being prosecuted over cost overruns in a hydropower project, telling a Tbilisi court that such expenses were common in the sector.

Giorgi Bachiashvili, who is on trial in connection with the Mtkwari HPP project, said he did not understand the basis of the charges and accused prosecutors of misinterpreting normal infrastructure risks.

“It is unclear what I have done wrong. Explain what negligence is being discussed and how I caused damage to the state,” Bachiashvili said during the hearing. “I believe I am the first person in Georgia, and perhaps in the world, who could go to prison over project overspending in a hydropower plant.”

He argued that cost deviations were typical in dam construction due to complex environmental and engineering factors. “This is not like constructing a residential building. In hydropower projects with dams, exceeding planned costs is common - especially when objective circumstances are involved,” he added.

Bachiashvili is charged under Article 220¹, part 2 of the Criminal Code, which covers improper performance of official duties by a person with special authority, resulting in serious consequences. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of two to five years.