14:00, 27 December 2012

Tbilisi authorities plan to introduce vouchers for utilities

Starting from January 2013, families living in Tbilisi can expect to receive vouchers for payment for utilities. This was reported by the Mayoralty of the Georgian capital.

In accordance with the decision of the city authorities, Tbilisi residents will be given vouchers of two types: with the nominal value of 100 laris (60.6 US dollars) and the nominal value of 250 laris (151.5 US dollars). The second type is designed for disadvantaged families participating in the programme to combat poverty.

Funds for the issuance of vouchers will be allocated from the budget of Tbilisi.

Nodar Khaduri, Minister of Finance, has commented on the decision of the city authorities and said that the Georgian authorities intend to reduce the tariffs and not "to humiliate the population with issuance of vouchers," the "Georgia Online" quotes the Minister as saying.

Even when saving electricity, the family of nine persons pays for electricity, water and disposal of garbage up to 70 laris (42.3 US dollars) per month. This was told to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by Anna, a Tbilisi resident.

Author: Inna Kukudzhanova

Source: CK correspondent