| Gas burners replaced central heating in Georgia Since 1992, the central heating system in Georgia has not been functioning. In general, after the collapse of the USSR, in Georgia, serious problems began with the supply of electricity and natural gas, with all the ensuing (sometimes, alas, in the literal sense of the word) sad consequences for the population. The most popular product in the post-Soviet period was the wood-burning “barrel,” as Georgians call it, or “potbelly stove,” which was offered in different variations by individual artisans and small businesses. The price of such a product is 10-15 dollars, maximum 25.
Tbilisi's high-rise buildings, equipped with "potbelly stoves", still somewhat resemble warships bristling with cannons. Smoke is pouring out of the chimneys. Firewood can be bought at local markets, in cubic meters and individually, as they say, from the wheels - from the bodies of trucks and the trunks of cars.
However, recently, when the gas supply to Georgia from Russia has stabilized (previously there were problems due to chronic debts), many have switched to more “advanced” gas stoves and burners. The most popular stoves among Tbilisi residents are Czech-made. They are also considered the safest. Their price starts from $300. But with a Georgian pension equivalent to about $10, few can afford such a luxury. Therefore, most residents of the Georgian capital opt for Iranian gas burners - the same ones that most likely caused the death of Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania.
Their price ranges from $100 to $200, depending on how much area the stove can heat - the larger the area, the higher the price. Such stoves are usually black; in appearance they are a rectangular metal structure on legs with fairly wide chrome-plated pipes for discharging combustion products outside (the pipe is discharged out through a hole in the window glass or in the wall). The burner also creates the effect of a fireplace: the flames are visible and, looking at them, you can increase or decrease the gas supply and create the optimal temperature regime.
But buying a stove is only half the battle. It must be connected in compliance with all safety measures. This is usually done by experienced craftsmen. However, many people, because of the savings, refuse their services and install the stoves themselves. According to authorities, such experiments often lead to tragedies. Cases of deaths of entire families from carbon monoxide have become more frequent. The Tbilisi City Hall and the Georgian Ministry of Health insist on checking the quality of gas-fired stoves, as well as on observing safety measures during their installation. Experts also note sudden changes in pressure when gas is supplied. Sometimes the automation, which is supposed to respond to pressure changes, does not work. At night, when people are sleeping and cannot control the operation of the burners, many turn off the stoves and, despite the cold and damp Georgian winter, ventilate the room for a long time. Nikolay MAMULASHVILI, political commentator for Radio Russia, for Vremya Novostey, Tbilisi-Moscow |
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