World Bank positively assesses the reforms implemented in the direction of “Georgian Amelioration” ltd
Participants of the meeting discussed the irrigation water supply rules approved by the National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission of Georgia (GNERC). The discussion refered to the tariff methodology, providing for the reflection of operational costs in the tariff.
“Today we’ve had an in-depth discussion with “Georgian Amelioration”on the progress of the ground-breaking and innovative reform that “Georgian Amelioration” is now undertaking in all areas of irrigation sector. Along with GA representatives, who are working on the tariff methodology, we’ve discussed in details the shape of the irrigation tariff, as well as the irrigation water supply rules, taking into consideration that delivery of services by “Georgian Amelioration” will be regulated by GNERC. For me, as a World Bank, we’ve found that Georgia is doing an excellent job in taking a very brave step in making significant changes to improve the sector, to improve the delivery of water to farmers and we just want to make sure and support in every step as much as we can” -mentioned Ranu Sinha, a Senior Water Resources Specialist for the World Bank and Task Team Leader for the GRAIL project in Georgia.
At the meeting, the World Bank experts proposed several mechanisms that ensure balancing of the company revenues against the operational expenses incurred by the company. According to Mameli Kobalia-Head of the Department of Water Resources Management, Energy and Relations with GNERC, consultations with World Bank experts are an important support for the company to overcome the existing challenges within the new regulation.
