Tbilisi townspeople demand compensations for demolished unauthorized houses

The authorities of Tbilisi have begun demolishing several squatters in the dwelling settlement of Afrika in the city outskirt. Owners of these unauthorized houses have complained about their difficult situation and demanded compensations for their demolished buildings.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that residents of the Afrika settlement in Tbilisi have repeatedly demanded not to demolish the houses they had built. Thus, on February 15, 2022, several dozen residents held a protest action at the Mayoralty. The authorities claimed that the buildings were erected illegally, but promised new housing to the protesters.

On December 15, 2020, 12 illegally constructed buildings in the Isano-Samgori District of the city were demolished, which caused local residents' protests.

"When we arrived at the place, the house had already been destroyed. No explanation was given to us. The construction of our house was almost completed. Before that, I explained to them that I am a citizen of Ukraine and cannot return home," one of the owners of the unfinished house explained on air of the "Formula" TV. She added that she arrived in Georgia before the start of the special operation of Russian troops in Ukraine, but could not return there.

The owner of another house said that her family now has nowhere to live. "Let us get back at least the money we spent on the building materials," she said.