As the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure explained to the President, the rehabilitated portion of the road, previously covered by landslides, was called "Shavghele" He said that the mountain has been cut and drainage installed, which cleared the road and made it safe. The President noted that the simplified terrain of the road minimizes the risk of accidents.

 

Mikheil Saakashvili also talked about the unique nature of Svaneti, the safe environment of Mestia and future plans regarding the development of tourism.

 

"Everything is very pleasant and the dishes are tasty here.  Svans make extraordinary food ingredients through the use of wild plants. That's why everything is delicious here.  The time when Svaneti was on "another planet" has ended. A place safer than this one cannot be found in Georgia. Traveling to Mestia is already very easy. In theory, everyone knows where Mestia is, but everyone should be able to say that they've been here. Almost none of my friends have been here. The developed infrastructure will enable anyone to easily visit the region "- stated Mikheil Saakashvili.