After selecting the specific section of the road, technical and economic research must be carried out. This determines the reasonability of the project considering its social, economic and other factors. The next stage is to determine the direction of a road, what are the benefits and alternatives. In the end, the best route is set based on the multifunctional analysis and more detailed research in geology, geodesy, geophysics, hydrology and engineering. According to the results of this specific studies, the detailed project is being developed. At the second stage, environmental impact assessment is prepared for the project, as well as, the document on alternatives and resettlement plan.
It is noteworthy that the research is carried out by the companies and experts who, as a rule, are selected according to the rules of procurement procedures of the donor organizations. The candidates are evaluated at two stages: the first is the experience of a company and experts involved in the project and the second is price. Proportionally 80% is assigned to experience and qualification, and 20% to price.
Besides, in case the project is funded by international financial institutions, they independently involve their own experts in the selection process, and each project phase is audited by them.
Funding procedures differ according to whether a project is funded by the government or a donor organization.
After submitting the detailed project, the donor organizations hire consultants in different fields, conduct the detailed revision and provide the final decision on funding a specific Project. Each organization has different procedures.
After confirming the funding of a project, the donor is involved in selecting the contractors for commissioning the works. The contractors are selected in accordance with the rules of the financial institutions, from the stage of setting up tender procedures to the stage of concluding the agreements.
The feasibility of funding project is determined from its technical and economic needs. The project is approved by the customer and sent for examination. Within the allocations determined by the state budget, a tender is declared based on the legislation regulating state procurement, and a contract is signed with the bidder who meets the tender conditions and has the lowest price.
Road construction works are monitored by international companies, which are selected in accordance with the rules of international financial institutions, with tender conditions. Monitoring is carried out at all stages of the works, for 24/7.
The supervisory group monitors the construction works at the site in relation to the project – checks the conformity of the construction materials used and the works performed, conducts relevant laboratory tests, quality control, monitors labor and safety compliance during the works, agrees on the construction work methodologies, checks the execution of work plans and schedules, checks the volumes of the performed works and approves them, conducts control at the place of progress of works, monitors environmental and social issues during the progress of works, prepares monthly reports, checks and approves technical documentation.
In projects financed by international financial institutions, the design, construction or supervision company is selected through an international tender. From the stage of preparation of tender documents to the process of awarding the contract, all steps are coordinated with the donor organizations. Bidder companies are evaluated on the basis of the technical and financial proposal. The contract is signed with the bidder who best meets the tender requirements. The tender requirements are developed by the donor organization.
All stages of the procurement process are subject to a pre-review procedure by the donor. Sanctioned companies are not allowed to perform construction works.
The construction and supervision company has an obligation to have a safety specialist. This obligation is fulfilled on all projects. Highly qualified experts and specialists ensure the implementation and protection of safety policies at the construction site.
Mainly highways pass through uninhabited areas, however, where the highways approach populated areas, safety conditions are maintained by specialists at the construction site.
This is regulated by the Georgian legislation and technical regulations in force, the implementation of which is monitored by the specialists of the supervisory company.
After defining the detailed project, an environmental impact assessment report is prepared with the involvement of experts and specialists. This document assesses the expected impact on such key issues as air quality, background noise level, vibration, water resources, flora and fauna, protected areas, soil, geological environment, risk of activation of hazardous processes, landscape, etc.
Contractors performing the works are also required to create site-specific environmental management plans. They are constantly monitoring the process and if the vibration or noise level exceeds the norms established by the standards, they take the respective measures to reduce the impact of noise and vibration by using different equipment or work methods.
In addition, in order to reduce the negative impact of the process on the local population, the construction camps are always separated from populated areas, according to the environmental protection standards applicable in Georgia.
In the process of drawing up a detailed project, the Roads Department of Georgia, together with the donor organization and experts involved in the design, establishes a resettlement plan (if necessary). In order to redeem the land plots owned/used by the local population affected by the project, the Roads Department pays them the corresponding compensation.
The Roads Department of Georgia, together with the National Public Registry, helps local residents to register land in a simplified way. Land registration is regulated by existing legislation.
In case of resettlement and compensation, the Department of Roads will consult an expert and an international appraiser to determine the objective price of the land.
The Roads Department registers plots of land in the name of the state only in case if at the time of the census, they are not registered in property, or no one claims their ownership.
For each project, as necessary, it is determined to carry out additional measures under the social responsibility. e.g. It is planned to arrange special shopping spaces in several places on Rikoti Pass. Also, a kindergarten was built within the framework of social responsibility.
The main goal of Rikoti project is to increase the level of traffic safety, reduce travel time and profile Georgia as a transit hub on the world map.
Advantages:
A space will be organized where the residents of nearby villages will be given the opportunity to sell their products in proper infrastructure.
The ongoing project of Rikoti road includes the construction of 51.6 km (total length) road.
F1 (Chumateleti-Khevi – 11.6 km long), F2 (Khevi-Ubisa – 12.2 km long), F3 (Ubisa-Shorapani – 13 km long) and F4 (Shorapani-Argveta – 14.7 km long). 97 bridges and 51 tunnels will be built within the project.
The cost of Rikoti project is 2,546 bln GEL.
The project is funded by several donor organizations, namely: The World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the European Investment Bank.
Construction works started in 2019.
The construction of certain sections was completed in 2023, and Rikoti Pass is planned to be completed in 2024.
Design works were carried out by Roads Department of Georgia, funded by international financial institutions and commissioned by the world’s leading design-consulting companies (joint venture – American – AECOM, Turkish – TEMELSU – F1, joint venture – Italian – IRD ENGINEERING S.R.L & SPEA) Engineering S.p.A – F2, F3, F4).
In the process of design works, complex field-research works were carried out, which included topographical, geological and geophysical studies. Based on these studies, appropriate geotechnical calculations were carried out in Georgia, in accordance with international standards and practices.
The design works were carried out by the Roads Department of Georgia, funded by international financial institutions, and commissioned by the world’s leading design and consulting companies based on quality and price: Korean – PYUNGHWA – F0, joint venture – American – AECOM, Turkish – TEMELSU – F1, joint venture – Italian – IRD ENGINEERING S.R.L & SPEA Engineering S.p.A – F2, F3, F4.
