Multiple development projects initiated in expanding communities throughout Armenia

YEREVAN, JANUARY 24, ARMENPRESS. There are numerous projects related to various sectors in the expanding communities of Armenia, and the projects will soon be financed and achieve successes, minister of territorial administration and development Davit Lokyan told ARMENPRESS.

“We have two groups of projects in expanding communities. First are the infrastructure projects, which must provide the integrity of settlements in the community. Meaning they must have contact with the center of the community, they must be able to communicate without difficulties, make payments and use all types of communication. Citizen Service Offices are operating in 21 community administration centers of Armenia, 8 of which in expanding community centers. For instance, the service office is operating in Dilijan’s community administration center, and due to constant online contact with settlements, the staff are able to provide all necessary documents or financial transactions to citizens”, Lokyan said.

Curently works are underway to initiate the project in another 10 communities (Amasia, Arpi, Ashotsk, Sarapat, Ayrum, Noyemberyan, Koghb, Tegh, Gorayk). The program is carried out in collaboration with the GIZ – German development agency.

Lokyan said the Dilijan community has already received agricultural, waste management, snow clearing and street cleaning equipment for its village settlements due to the USAID grant.

Transportation issues are under spotlight, and the community will receive 6 buses with the assistance of the EU. The buses will operate daily routes in village settlements, providing a stable communication with Dilijan.

Lokyan also pointed out the lighting program of Dilijan. “The program is worth around 380 million drams, which will provide complete modern lighting systems in village settlements and Dilijan”, the minister said.

Under another project, markets will be built along the Dilijan and Haghartsin highways. Also, a new waste management and disposal project will be initiated in Dilijan.

In addition to the transportation, lighting and waste management issues, the community development programs also encompass educational programs. Lokyan said various schools of Dilijan have received new technological labs, allowing children to get to know robotics and technology.

In terms of economic projects in expanding communities, the minister said they must lead to increase of added value and income of communities, which in its turn will provide increase of services.

“The first actions in these directions have already been taken, and the Government has received numerous programs in both expanding communities and other communities. Programs regarding the construction of a milk factory and a slaughterhouse were received from Berdashen community of Amasia, and this field has serious resources for development. This project has been endorsed by the Government, and soon the ministries of economic development & investments and agriculture will find options for assistance”, Lokyan said.

Similar projects have been received for the Urtsadzor community of Ararat province – production of tea and herbs in the Khosrov reserve area. Another project regarding development of goat breeding was received by the Zaritap and Vayk communities.