The State Care Agency has responded to the tragic deaths of two children in a fire in Zugdidi, confirming that the family was socially vulnerable. The agency also clarified that the children who lost their lives in the tragedy were not under state care.
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“From April 1, 2023, the children were living with their mother. Prior to that, since 2018, they had been separated from their family by court order. The reintegration was carried out in the best interests of the children, considering their opinions and ensuring their upbringing within their biological family," the statement reads. It also states that the State Care Agency "provided as much assistance as possible" to the family, with a social worker making regular visits within the time limits defined by law.
"The family is registered in the Unified Database of Socially Vulnerable Families and receives social allowances. Additionally, since April 2023, the minors were granted reintegration payments, amounting to a total of 1500 GEL per month. In 2023-2024, they benefited from a sub-program providing assistance to families with children in crisis situations. The children were also involved in the early development subprogram."
Last night, around 2:00 AM, 6-year-old twin brother and sister died in a fire that broke out in an apartment on the sixth floor of a multi-story residential building on Bukia Street in Zugdidi. They lived in a rented apartment with their 9- and 12-year-old siblings and their mother. The children were alone in the apartment at the time of the fire. The older siblings managed to escape the burning apartment and called a neighbor, but the younger ones could not be saved.
The exact cause of the fire is not yet known. As neighbors say, due to unpaid debts, the electricity and natural gas supply had been cut off to the socially vulnerable family. It is assumed that the children left a candle burning overnight. The owner of the apartment also confirmed the electricity cut, stating that he had received a notification from the energy company the day before the tragedy. The family owed around 50 GEL. Energo-Pro Georgia has not commented on the matter."
A child should not be removed from their family due to poverty; they should grow up in a family where the state provides basic living conditions. A family with young children cannot be left without electricity and gas, but the social policy of our state does not care, does not see these children. They only know how to resign without fear of losing votes in the elections," said former Public Defender Nino Lomjaria.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation into the incident under Article 188 of the Criminal Code, which refers to the negligent damage or destruction of property that results in the loss of human life.
