On February 4, population of Itkhvisi village in Chiatura district held protest demonstration. They gathered in front of the Georgian Manganese’s administrative building and held warning demonstration. Population requested reimbursement of their damage.
The demonstrators alleged that miners work very close to their residential area; small explosions take place every day that damages houses of local inhabitants. Villagers say they faced ecological problems too.
“We have applied to the representatives of the Georgian Manganese and local authority with regard to these problems but there was no result,” said a protester.
The administration of the Georgian Manganese said they know the problems of local population and intend to meet villagers next week. Unless their requests are satisfied, Itkhvisi residents will block the road to the mine.
Mari Tabidze, Chiatura