Abkhazian separatists use secret German weapon
Published 29 November, 2007, 06:34
A century-old hydroplant near the city of Sukhumi in the breakaway republic of Abkhazia, is still ready to produce electricity in case of an emergency.
Hidden in a subtropical forest of Abkhazia is an old hydroplant – one of the few landmarks that are a reminder of the republic’s past.
It was built in 1905, when Abkhazia was a part of the Russian empire, and is still fully operational.
Constructed by German engineers the plant used to provide electricity for the whole city of Sukhumi, Abkhazia’s capital.
In the Soviet years, other stations were built to replace the relic, turning it into a backup facility.
In 1992 following Abkhazia’s breaking away from Georgia, the engineers that maintained the plant fled from advancing troops.
But an elderly couple who lived nearby decided to save it from looters. Both in their 70’s, Ivan and Tamara Zinchenko were the only ones who dared to stay.
Today you can still see the signs of war, but it’s no longer dangerous to walk in the woods. Russian peacekeepers and UN observers are stationed in the republic, ensuring the safety of civilians and allowing refugees to return.
In the past few years Abkhazia has become a favourite holiday spot for Russian tourists and some visit the Sukhumi hydroplant and the nearby waterfalls.
The plant is of course now just a tourist attraction. Even when heavy winds cut power lines in the mountains it’s not put to use.
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