Public Hearing of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report of the Bakhvi 1 Hydropower Plant Project Held in Mtispiri and Chkhakaura

Public hearing of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for construction and operation of the run-off-river Bakhvi 1 Hydropower Plant was held on February 11, 2022, at the Administrative Buildings of the villages of Mtispiri in Ozurgeti Municipality and Chkhakaura in Chokhatauri Municipality The hearing was attended by representatives of the local self-government, heads and educators of the public school and kindergarten, residents of all four villages of the Mtispiri community (Mtispiri, Okroskedi, Vaniskedi, Ukanava) and the village of Chkhakaura. The Mayor of Chokhatauri Municipality, Mr. Davit Sharashidze, also attended the hearing held in Chkhakaura.

In his introductory remarks, the Ministry representative presented the Bakhvi 1 Hydropower Plant Project and gave the floor to the implementing company CCEH Hydro VI Director, Mikheil Nibladze. In his remarks, Project Technical Manager Gigla Sikharulidze focused on project's technical parameters and Project ESG Manager David Mikeladze reviewed the studies conducted, environmental issues and social program.

Public hearings in Mtispiri and Chkhakaura proceeded in the Q&A format. Also, noteworthy is the fact that the local population showed a great interest in the project, which was demonstrated by the large number of attendees. The audience was interested in the company's plans for both environmental issues, and social program and matters related to its implementation. It was stated that the company's efforts during the EIA preparation stage was invaluable. It was also highlighted that the social program developed by the company responds to the very needs and challenges that are actually present in the villages located in the vicinity of the project. Residents of both villages expressed their support for the project.

In accordance with the Environmental Assessment Code, the authorized environmental decision-making body is the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.             

The EIA Report of the Bakhvi 1 Hydropower Plant Project was submitted to the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia on December 20 2021, and was made public on the official Ministry website on December 23 2021.