Infrastructure Minister says Rikoti pass “safe” amid claims on potential disaster threat

Irakli Karseladze, the Georgian Infrastructure Minister, on Monday claimed Rikoti pass – connecting the country’s east to the west – was “safe”, amid the claims by the domestic opposition the ongoing “incorrect” construction work by three Chinese companies could lead to a major disaster. 

In his press comments, the official claimed a “round the clock” monitoring had been imposed on the pass to prevent disaster threats. 

“Rikoti is currently under a special regime. The basis for establishing the special regime was the potential landslide center found 200 meters from the road on the 149th kilometer”, the official said, adding professionals had recommended the establishment of the special regime to allow the work to prevent safety threats. 

He claimed the landslide had not hit the section, only a “preventing” work had been performed. 

The comment came following the demands by the Lelo opposition party over presenting a financial audit on the ongoing work, pointing to possible corrupt deals 

The party also said the Chinese companies with a “dubious past” were building the road on the pass, which it said had been exposed in different countries at different times in corrupt deals, violation of construction norms and dishonest activities.

China Construction Engineering, Hunan Road and Bridge and China Road and Bridge are now conducting the construction work on the pass.