80% of Gori Population Complains about Government

Work group assembled by representatives of Urban Institute and Georgian Youth Association Gori Offices carried out investigation in Gori. Six young people were selected, such as Revaz Nadiradze, Sofo Okropiridze, Shorena Tielidze. Ekaterine Kotoloashvili, Ia Narozashvili and Mariam Sreseli. According to the survey work- group drew up recommendation list for self-government.

The survey showed that the main problem for Gori or so-called 'Baden-Baden' is unemployment and social situation. The young people made inquiries in many districts of Gori and carried out the investigation for several months.

Population thinks that only central Stalini Street can not be decorated and lit, since it had been beautiful even during Communist regime.

According to Mr. Guram Khizanishvili, head of the group, 80% of Gori people do not know members of either opposite or Government parties who took part in elections. They do not know anything about the function of local Self-Governmental bodies.

Mariam Sreseli said: "Most part of population is annoyed with the fact that Government pays particular attention to city centre. Only Central Stalini Street is painted and lit. For example, people living near the Circus complain for a lot of rubbish in the street."

Sofo Okropiridze stated: "Entering families they asked the names of candidates, their background etc. Nobody knows either majority or proportion candidates who have won the elections. They asked us about the problems which is beyond Self-Government's power. The main problem for them is food. They all are concerned about own problems. Painted facades and too many mini-stadiums irritate hungry people."

Rezo Nadiradze said the following: "During survey many people did not let me in. As I later found out, Nationals had visited them before. Annoyed people complained about a drain channel which had been out of order for a long time and the Government has never paid attention to. After every rain houses and street fill with sand in the suburb which is located at the foot of the mountain. They demand to repair sewerage system in Railway Station district."
 
Eka Kotolashvili said: "I carried out survey particularly in Tsmindatskali district. People have no gas in this district. Water-distributing system does not work there either, since the Liakhvi River is close to the district. It can be said that Tsmindatskali District sinks in the swamp. People also demand street lights. Unemployment is big problem for the people in this district too."

Saba Tsitsikashvili, Gori