Last week, information was disseminated about the problem with water supply in Gori,[1] as well as the problem with insufficient water supply in Kavtiskhevi.[2]

The population of Gori connects the drinking water supply outage to the construction of one of the residential buildings, where locals also expressed protest.

According to the information disseminated by the United Water Supply Company of Georgia on August 2, as well as by the Gori City Hall on August 3, rehabilitation works were underway on the water supply network in Gori, and the extension of the work process and the postponement of the restoration of water supply were due to unforeseen factors identified during the relocation of the central drinking water main. Although water supply has been restored in Gori, local residents are reporting a decrease in water flow and deterioration in quality.[3]

In light of these cases, the Public Defender once again reminds the public and all responsible agencies that equal and equitable access to sufficient safe water for both personal and household use (drinking, sanitation, washing, cooking, and personal and domestic hygiene) is an internationally recognized human right. Recognition of this right requires the existence and protection of appropriate standards.

Citizens have the right to access full information on water supply issues, including the reasons for water supply outage, its duration, the time of restoration of water supply, and the quality of the water supplied. Without this, the realization of the right to water is unthinkable. Citizens should be informed in a timely manner, in a simple and understandable language, using the most effective means at the local level. Possible obstacles for citizens to access such information should be considered, including language barriers, Internet access issues, vulnerable groups, and local context. In addition, citizens have the right to be provided with the minimum necessary amount of water until the problem is resolved. Complete disconnection of water supply without access to alternative sources violates human rights.

In addition, it is noteworthy that water supply license companies are obliged to comply with the drinking water supply and consumption rules established by the National Energy Regulatory Commission of Georgia.

Any person, if his or her rights are violated, has the right to file a complaint with the Commission’s Public Defender of Consumer Interests, the Commission, or apply to the court.

Unfortunately, serious problems with water supply and violations of citizens' rights in this regard are acute in a number of municipalities in Georgia. The Public Defender has dedicated a special report to the standards related to the right to water and the challenges existing in the country in this regard.

The Public Defender of Georgia, within the framework of his mandate, will examine the issue of alleged violations of human rights standards during the water outages in Gori.