March 2024

The location of Poti (Georgia) is complex and interesting

The location of Poti (Georgia) is complex and interesting. The development of our city depends on the River Rioni, which has created the city area during the last 500-600 years. All the changes caused by the river, has a great influence on the life of our city. Therefore, we should always try to carefully study and plan the development of our city taking into account the Rioni factor.

Geomorphology clearly shows how the sea coastline and topography of Poti change.

We have the opportunity to see such changes during the last 100-150 years through the comparative analysis of existing maps. 100-150 years is enough time to see the regularity of changes and to determine future changes based on this.

In order for the port of Poti (Poti, Georgia) to gain international status, two of the most important problems of the city had to be solved: flooding and malaria.

In 1939, in order to protect Poti from floods, by ”Riongdeba” (“Rionsbros” –  “Rionthrowing”) river Rioni was thrown north of Poti. This project dramatically changed the balance of sedimentation redistribution.

The sharp increase in silting on the northern side of the harbor was caused by 2 reasons:

1) The unfinished project of the Northern Channel

2) South current of the sea.

Such human interference created problems for the port. Harbor services have become more expensive as the cost of cleaning the entrance channel increases year by year.

Before this channel was launched, Poti harbor was unique. Although the harbor is built near Rioni, the harbor was not silting.

We may argue a lot about the purpose and effectiveness of the project of that time, but today it is clear what damage has been caused to the harbor, the city and the state. At the same time, environmental problems also worsened.

In front of you are photos showing the location of Poti harbor and shores with difference of 80 years.

As you can see, today the sea is 570 meters away from the shore, that is, it recedes by about 7 meters a year, the remaining distance is 370 meters from the shore to the breakwater (moles).

Obviously, if we do nothing, the harbor will be completely closed in 53 years.

We are ready to meet everyone who is interested in the issues raised for conversation and discussion.