Regional Minister Mdinaradze warns contractors over delays and poor-quality regional projects

Georgian Deputy Prime Minister and Regional Development Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze has warned contractors involved in regional infrastructure projects against seeking greater financial gain through delays, poor-quality work or creating additional problems.

Mdinaradze said the government would not tolerate substandard construction or unfinished projects and would continue its fight against corruption.

"I want to warn those people who try to gain greater material benefit at the expense of poor quality, delays and creating problems: do not take advantage of our humanity and complete the projects under way in the regions on time and to a high standard," Mdinaradze told journalists.

He said he had encountered unfinished or poorly executed projects during visits to different regions, including bridges, roads, water infrastructure and gasification projects.

According to Mdinaradze, some of the problems had been inherited from previous years and were the result of corruption-related offences.

He said the government would not accept situations in which contractors used lower-quality concrete, delayed projects or otherwise left local residents facing the consequences.

"This is also a form of corruption, and it must be fought," Mdinaradze said.

He added that government officials were prepared to face accusations as they pursued anti-corruption measures, but said the allegations should not be based on real wrongdoing.

"We will not retreat a single step in the fight against corruption," he said.