In an effort to expedite the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Georgia’s occupied territories, a program providing cash compensation to displaced families instead of housing will be launched alongside the construction of apartment buildings, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced.
According to the head of government, participation in the program will be entirely voluntary. The payout will amount to 10,000 lari (approximately $3,800) per family member.
“To accelerate the process, we have decided to introduce, in parallel with the construction of residential buildings, a program offering IDP families monetary compensation instead of housing, participation in which will be completely voluntary.
Every displaced family that has not previously received housing or compensation will be eligible to apply for funds to the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia. The compensation amount will be 10,000 lari for each family member. Funds will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis,” the prime minister stated.
According to Kobakhidze, 58 million lari (approximately $22 million) has already been allocated to finance the program this year.
Regarding the construction of residential buildings for IDPs, the prime minister noted that if the current pace of handing over apartments is maintained, it would take another 10 years to provide for all displaced persons. He expressed hope that thousands of families would take advantage of the new initiative.