Nicky Campbell’s visit to the Tserovani settlement near Tbilisi reveals lessons for Britain to learn in housing conflict-displaced individuals.
In reference to the letter highlighting the risks to refugees’ lives due to the government’s housing plan (24 May), I, as the chair of trustees for Refugees Welcome, Cheshire East, recently visited the Tserovani refugee settlement in Georgia. This settlement, consisting of approximately 2,000 homes, was constructed in 2008 to provide housing for refugees from South Ossetia who had been displaced by the conflict between the Russian Federation and Georgia. The construction of these modest yet sturdy houses for the affected individuals was completed within a span of three months.
Over time, people have expanded their homes and created gardens around them. The settlement incorporates transportation infrastructure, facilitating commuting to nearby towns for work opportunities. Ensuring a sense of safety is of utmost importance.
Within the settlement, various job opportunities have been established, including a social enterprise jewelry workshop that we had the privilege of visiting. It is heartening to witness how individuals in desperate circumstances regain their dignity and contribute to the local economy of their new community.
It is truly regrettable that our government struggles to comprehend and address the needs of refugees arriving in the UK. It would be truly remarkable if we could prioritize the construction of suitable homes for refugees and other displaced individuals, rather than continuing to focus on endless developments of four-bedroom houses.
