Kazakhstan, Astana, April 21 / Trend, A. Maratov /
Georgia hopes that this year Kazakh investors will start construction of a new building of a sanatorium in Likani, Georgian Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Vera Kobalia said in an interview with Trend.
"Likani is a very important project for us, as it is the traditional recreation place of Georgians. We look forward to resuming work on this project," Kobalia said.
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili criticized the Kazakh investors for the delay in the construction of the sanatorium in Likani two years ago; KazMunaiGas investors demolished the old sanatorium building and have not built a new one. In this situation the local population is left without jobs.
This place is famous for its thermal springs. There are historical monuments, including the Palace of the Romanovs. The Borjomi resort region was the tsar's royal family property, hence the tsar's residence being located in Likani.
"At present, we are working very closely with the Kazakh side. And during the last meeting we were informed that some documents remained to be signed, after which funding will be possible. We hope for construction to begin this year," Kobalia said.
She said the construction of the new facility will take at least two years.