“The site of the former hippodrome had been earmarked for residential tower blocks, but Bidzina Ivanishvili bought it back, gifted it to Tbilisi, and a central park is now to be laid out in its place,” Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze told the media.
When journalists asked when the Central Park project would be completed, the Mayor stated that every project being carried out by the Cartu International Charitable Foundation would, without exception, be seen through to the end.
“All of the Cartu Charitable Foundation’s projects connected to Tbilisi will be completed and delivered. Work is currently underway on the Hippodrome site. During the design phase, some changes were made. Originally, the plans included French and Japanese garden concepts, but residents wanted as much green space as possible. Their wishes were taken on board. The Cartu Foundation is delivering the project; it is their gift to the people of Tbilisi. Under the previous government, the land was in private ownership; it had been transferred to specific individuals with the intention of carrying out construction work and building residential blocks there. Mr Bidzina Ivanishvili bought it back, gifted it to the municipality, and a truly impressive central park project is now taking shape.
As for our opponents, they have no desire to see reality for what it is. I understand that you’re experiencing difficulties with your vision and cannot see what is directly in front of you. I try to put myself in your position, and I still feel for you, because you are Georgians. I do genuinely worry about your state of mind. You peddle falsehoods incessantly, you are slanderers and liars, and you have no interest in projects that benefit this city. You are solely preoccupied with how to mislead the public,” said Kakha Kaladze.
