An article by Green Alternative claims that the construction of the East–West highway in Georgia came with the cost to environment and locals' safety. Frequent landslides, road closures, and structures' collapses make locals consider the highway as a potential danger to their safety and well-being. Experts highlight that the landslides have intensified since construction works on the Rikoti Pass began. The locals submitted various complaints to the project's grievance michanism. Some families even requested physical resettlement. The affected communities claim that only a few improvements took place and that they struggle to be heard.

The East–West highway is funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited the three Banks to respond. The World Bank did not respond. ADB and EIB responses can be found below.