“We are made to live under African conditions and requested European standards” – Didachara resident

The representatives of “The Institute of Democracy” introduced the project “Petition – People’s Voice in the Self-Governance” to the residents of Didachara in Khulo Municipality in the famous gathering place of the municipality which is often used as the site for discussing vital problems.

Local citizens request functioning of the irrigation channels in the so called “Sorry Didachara” and “Gorjomi Didachara” regions. According to them, the rehabilitation has been completed, though water is not running. The residents of Didachara also requested capital construction of Didachara-October connecting bridge and taking the measures in the direction of Sanitary cleaning.

The speech made by Mr. Zia “We are made to live under African conditions though requested European standards” was also followed by the noise. He wanted to arrange the animal slaughter-house in the village Didachara. According to Mr. Zia, there are many people in Didachara, whereas the slaughter-house located in Gorjomi is rather far. Mr. Zia is not going to give up the idea of arranging the Slaughter-House and thinks that he will meet all necessary standards.
Construction of the mosque was among-non-petition issues, though raised during the meeting. “Let them build one more mosque and name even David unless they like the name Azizie”. During the active and interesting discussion, Emergency car passed by. We got interested towards their service quality and effectiveness, as well as their response to the calls, asking questions the Public School Director of the village Didachara attending the meeting. “Emergency cars responds even before the illness”, said Mr. Joseb with a serious appearance, though later he added jokingly that “We sit in the emergency cars before falling ill and that’s one we are healthy”. The residents of the village Didachara remember a number of public meetings, promises to solve their problems, which were only followed by the empty pages, though they still said farewell to us with hop.

The Institute of Democracy continues study of the petition problems in Ajara highlands. The project enable the citizens to appeal the local self-governances with petitions and be involved in the process of settling the problems existing within their district/settlement/city. As a result of meeting with population basic problems will be identified, being presented to the Municipal Council in the form of a petition. Leaders – active citizens will be selected at the meetings, being initiators of the petition and organizing collection of signatures.
The project is implemented by the Institute of Democracy together with partner organizations in 20 municipalities of western Georgia with the support of USAID.