EcoLur
The construction of SHP in Litchq Village (Syunik Region) is close to be accomplished. The villagers learned there will be a SHP constructed in their village from rumors. The public hearings were not held, the agreement with the company was signed by the village head. People hope that the SHP won’t take all the water from the Meghri River, in the basin of which their pastures and meadows are located. In the last resort, they hope to receive compensations. Nevertheless, agreements on compensations don’t exist. There is an agreement on rental fee: 96 AMD for one square meter.
Hovik Mirzoyan, Litchq Village Head: I don’t know whether or not any damage will be caused. But if any damage will be caused, it will be compensated. We have a legitimate agreement and they pay a rental fee.
EcoLur: How much?
Village Head: 96 AMD for one square meter. Our Aldermen’s council decided this price and they paid. All the permits are available. The diagram lays down everything clearly, as well as the documents from the Cadastre (State Cadastre of Real Estate)... We must be supplied with irrigation water and only then the extra water will be given to them. Tomorrow if there is no water in the river, we won’t ever allow the SHP to operate…
EcoLur: Do the villagers agree?
Village Head: This issue concerns everybody. Next to the river there are plants and trees…If there is no water, they will dry out. I declare, it doesn’t matter whoever is the owner of this SHP, if there is no water in the river tomorrow, I won’t allow the SHP to operate.
EcoLur: Whether any public hearings were held in the community?
Village Head: People trust their village head and I assumed the responsibility. I declare that everybody is aware of the course of arrangements (with the company) that we will have water and we will have 7-8 working places.
Villagers: We learnt about the construction of the SHP accidentally, when the machinery appeared…I don’t know where…Let them open, we will have jobs, if damage is caused, let them pay…
EcoLur: Did they ask you what kind of compensation you want?
Villagers: No, nothing like that…
EcoLur: What do you think, there will be any damage?
Litchq Villager: Well, they will spoil the nature…If we cut down a tree, they will make such a fuss…But when so many trees are cut down, it doesn’t matter...
November 21, 2012 at 18:03