The Georgian Air Navigation Agency rejected information spread by TV Pirveli, allegedly the Agency had “accelerated” the announcement of the tender for the construction of the helicopter hangar and the search and rescue office, after the landslide in Shovi.

“TV Pirveli had intentionally mixed the function of the aviation search and rescue coordination centre up with the one of the Emergency Management Service. The Agency’s centre had nothing to do with the rescue helicopters, their service and operation.

The construction of the search and rescue office - initially planned to start 3 years ago - was delayed due to the COVID-19. The reduced flights during the pandemic had a negative impact on our budget, which also hindered the implementation of the mentioned and other projects.

We carried out all activities defined by the domestic law before the invitation for bids, we had published all relevant documents and tender proposals on the State Procurement Agency’s website on August 4, after receiving the construction permit on July 26 and registering it on August 2”, - reads the statement of the agency.