The Secretary of the Security Council of the de facto Republic of Abkhazia, Sergei Shamba, expressed his support for the construction of apartments in eastern Abkhazia, warning that attempts to interfere with the project and deteriorate relations with Russia would lead to irreversible consequences.
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"I fully support this project because I see it as a real opportunity for a significant leap. The construction associated with this endeavor itself acts as a locomotive that will drive the economy and many other aspects," Shamba said today at the meeting held by the so-called President Aslan Bzhania, which was also attended by deputies of the de facto parliament.
Shamba stated that the project is being considered a pilot to see "how the public will adapt and react to it," which some politicians are actively encouraging today.
"The regions chosen for this project, such as Ochamchire and Gali, are very attractive. I know these places well: beyond the rivers Ghalidzga and Okum, there are unique dune beaches that are not found in Gagra or Bichvinta. We just need to show them to investors. Our problem is the inability to attract investment. I hear from some politicians that we don't need them, which is completely incomprehensible to me. No country, even with a strong economy, can do without investments. That is why it is important to attract investors.
Trying to interfere in this project and spoiling relations with Russia will have irreversible consequences for our history and relations with our strategic ally. I'm sure people will understand this.
Those who are against it often simply do not understand the essence of the project and are talking about agitation. It is unfounded to fear that people can obtain citizenship through these apart-hotels. The bill makes it clear that home buyers cannot obtain citizenship. It is necessary to take decisive steps," said Shamba.
Last week, the so-called Economic Policy and Reforms Committee of the Parliament, amid protests, supported the bill "On Measures to Raise the Level of Socio-Economic Development of Ochamchire, Tkvarcheli, and Gali Districts," which provides for the construction of apartments and apart-hotels in these districts. The draft law is expected to be adopted in the first reading by the end of the month.
The head of the committee, Rezo Zantaria, stated that the pilot project involves construction on 150 hectares, providing a total of 10,000 rooms. The de facto authorities claim that the apartments will not be intended for permanent living.
The so-called President Aslan Bzhania also attended the committee meeting. He noted that Abkhazia has 140,000 able-bodied citizens, of whom 42,000 are officially employed, 30,000 are self-employed, and 65,000 are unemployed. According to Bzhania, economic development is necessary to solve global problems.
Opponents of the law argue that the construction of apartments will provide "absolutely nothing" economically to Abkhazia and claim it is aimed at the "secret sale of land."
On December 27, 2023, at 6 a.m., the de facto parliament ratified the Russia-Abkhazia agreement, which handed over the Bichvinti state estate to Russia. A few months ago, a so-called agreement was signed between the governments of Russia and de facto Abkhazia on the restoration of Vladislav Ardzinba Sukhumi International Airport. The airport was handed over to a Russian investor for 49 years.
