24 Repatriates Receive New Homes in Machara

SUKHUM / AQW'A — A ceremonial event was held at the State Committee for Repatriation in which 24 repatriates were presented with keys to their new apartments in the village of Machara, Gulrypsh district.

The ceremony was attended by President Badra Gunba, who personally handed over the keys to the new residents. In his address, he congratulated the repatriates on Victory Day, noting that many generations of the Abkhaz people had fought for this moment.

“Our veterans, and those who did not live to see this day, secured the Victory that our people longed for. This is a sign that our nation has a bright future,” the President said.

Gunba also stressed the significance of the return of compatriots to their ancestral homeland: “Wherever our people may be, we are always with them. The return of repatriates brings joy to all of us.” He reminded attendees that the State Committee for Repatriation was established in March 1993, while the war was still ongoing, underlining the importance that the first President, Vladislav Ardzinba, placed on the return of Abkhazians from diaspora.

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Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Bastakua Agrba, explained that under the repatriation programme, one new residential building is put into service each year. “Today we are handing over the fifth house. The apartments for repatriates are located in three-storey buildings in Machara. Allocation by floor is carried out through a lottery system. The buildings include three-, two- and one-bedroom apartments with well-designed layouts and high-quality finishing,” he said.

Agrba added that around 500 families remain on the waiting list, with priority given to those who arrived earlier, including repatriates who took part in the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia. Until permanent housing is provided, the Committee covers their rental costs.

Vadim Kharazia, adviser to the Chairman of the State Committee for Repatriation, also congratulated the families and expressed gratitude to the President for his support and attention to such an important cause.

The repatriates, in turn, thanked the leadership of the country and the Committee for the opportunity to settle into new homes.