Life in exile during the pandemic [Documentary film]
In the village Rukhi in Zugdidi municipality, nine internally displaced
families live in a dilapidated former school building. The building and its auxiliary constructions were built a century ago. People who live there were forced to leave Abkhazia as a result of the armed conflict in 1992-1993 and they still dream about having their own homes. The old building does not have running water or any other conditions that are needed to live normally.
COVID-19 made their everyday lives even more difficult. They constantly hear appeals from epidemiologists about the need to wash hands frequently, but it is very difficult for them to follow even basic norms of hygiene. The families even have to share toilets.
Three families from this settlement were given accommodation elsewhere. Others do not understand why they were left behind. Internally displaced families have been asking for homes for 28 years.
81-year-old Eter Gabunia is also waiting for a place that she could own. For years, the Ministry of IDPs, Labor, Health and Social Issues has told her that she is not eligible. Two years ago, her husband died and she was left to face her problems alone.