BBC Learning English
Words in the News
27
th
September 2010
Campaigners object to rural ski resort
Words in the News
© British Broadcasting Corporation 2010
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bbclearningenglish.com
Campaigners in Georgia have spoken out against a multi-million dollar ski resort which they
say threatens the tranquillity of one of the country's most remote areas. The government says
fifty million dollars will be spent on revamping the Svaneti region. Tom Esslemont reports:
Over the last 12 months, President Saakashvili has overseen some stark changes to the
appearance of Georgian towns and cities. In Tbilisi, he presides over a new presidential palace
with a large glass dome. In the seaside resort of Batumi, he has ensured that glitzy casinos
line the coast. To those who admire them, they are shimmering symbols of gradual economic
growth. And now, the wave of construction, has even reached one of the more isolated
regions in the Caucasus mountains.
In the pine-brushed valleys of Svaneti, President Saakashvili recently announced that he
wants a ski-resort built there. Builders are already hard at work, under orders to get it ready in
time for the winter season.
It is one of the poorest regions in the country and many locals anticipate positive economic
change. But to its opponents, this is sacrilege. Three separate families told the BBC that their
land is being used without their permission to build the resort. The authorities deny seizing
land and blame ancient, unwritten ownership laws. There is no way of knowing who owns
what, they say.
The huge project may continue to split the community, but the president appears hell-bent
on attracting investment to the region - no matter how controversial - as he seeks to repair his
reputation, so tainted by his country's war with Russia two years ago.
Tom Esslemont, BBC News, Svaneti
