The municipality of Dedoplistskaro recently witnessed the inauguration of the “Ekospartaneli” plastic processing enterprise. This venture required an investment of over 209,000 GEL, which included 145,000 GEL as co-financing from the rural development program.
A visit to the newly opened enterprise was made by Natalia Kharatishvili, Deputy Director of the Rural Development Agency; Giorgi Aladashvili, Kakheti State Trustee; Nikoloz Janiashvili, Mayor of Dedoplistskaro Municipality; and Giorgi Tsimintia, the coordinator of the UN Development Program “Improving Rural Development in Georgia.”
Natalia Kharatishvili, the Deputy Director of the Rural Development Agency, stated, “Within the framework of the rural development program, a new enterprise has been established, capable of processing up to 100 tons of plastic and waste paper. The company collects waste paper and used plastic bottles from the local population. It should be noted that this is the first enterprise in the region to undertake such initiatives, employing 10 individuals.”
Giorgi Tsimintia, coordinator of the UN Development Program “Improving Rural Development in Georgia,” emphasized the long-standing efforts of the European Union and the United Nations in promoting rural development. He stated, “Promoting local economic growth is of utmost importance to us. Supporting projects like this is particularly crucial as they mitigate the adverse impact on the environment.”
The “Rural Development Program” has been implemented in various municipalities, including Keda, Khulo, Borjomi, Akhalkalaki, Tetritskaro, Kazbegi, Lagodekhi, and Dedoplistskaro. This program, executed by the Rural Development Agency with the backing of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), falls under the “European Neighborhood Program for Rural and Agricultural Development” (ENPARD).
Over 77 projects have been financed within the rural development program, with a total investment value surpassing 11 million GEL and co-financing exceeding 7.8 million GEL.
By Mariam Gorkhelashvili
