"A number of political groups and media outlets, after the tragedy that happened in Shovi, regarding the construction of the Rikoti pass road, again started discrediting the project and the Roads Department. I want to say with full responsibility that all the finished sections of Rikoti will be safe," said Giorgi Tsereteli, chairman of the Roads Department, speaking to the media from the disaster area of Shovi.

As Giorgi Tsereteli mentioned, the works on the Rikoti pass are being carried out according to the plan. The progress of work on certain sections is high and these sections will be put into operation by the end of the year.

"I want to respond to the topic of Rikoti. I did not think that I would have to make this statement from the disaster area, but unfortunately, I have to. Negative statements from various political groups and people have become very active in recent days. I want to say that with these statements, they are still trying to discredit the project, to instill fear in the population, as if something bad is happening at the Rikoti Pass, Giorgi Tsereteli said.

According to the Chairman of the Roads Department, there are 77 roads in the section of Rikoti, which are being strengthened by the project. Within the framework of the Rikoti project, since the beginning of the project, a total of 6000 m of geological drilling has been done. A number of geotechnical, geophysical and seismic studies were conducted, and on the basis of these studies, the design decision of Rikoti Pass was made.

"As for the slopes, this is a work process and the events that took place were part of the work process. Unfortunately, all the footage that is broadcast on one or another television is old, taken months ago, and if you go down to the Rikoti pass today, you will see a completely different picture and a different situation. Moving on these sections will be safe", Giorgi Tsereteli said.