PM Kobakhidze: Georgia aims to become regional leader in water resource management

Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, on Tuesday said that the government’s approach to developing the water sector was based on justice, social responsibility and targeted investment aimed at the system’s long-term sustainability.

Speaking at the International Water Future Forum in Tbilisi, Kobakhidze said the government was laying a solid foundation to ensure that future generations inherit modern infrastructure meeting international standards.

He said Georgia, “as a key hub in the Black Sea and Caspian Sea region,” had the potential to become a leader in the strategic management of water resources.

The prime minister described water as one of Georgia’s most important national assets, noting that in the 21st century - as water scarcity becomes a global challenge - access to water was increasingly central to public health, quality of life and economic stability.

Kobakhidze further noted that achieving universal, round-the-clock access to safe drinking water would require the replacement of thousands of kilometres of ageing pipelines, the construction of new treatment facilities and the introduction of modern technologies. He described the task as a large-scale effort requiring significant responsibility and long-term commitment.

He said the government had chosen a pragmatic development path, highlighting cooperation with the global water management company Aqualia as a key part of that strategy. 

The official stressed the partnership provided access to international best practices and supported the development of Georgia’s water sector in line with European standards.

PM Kobakhidze also said the reforms and investments underway were intended to strengthen the system as a whole and improve public welfare, while ensuring the responsible and sovereign management of the country’s natural resources.