EcoLur
Water turns into a big problem for such a strategic important region of Armenia as Meghri. Community heads, but not residents took part in the discussion of the project on construction of reservoir and water supply system supported by the World Bank. The public hearings on this project were not held.
It’s already second year since activists from Meghri have been opposing to the construction of water supply system on Meghri River, they addressed a letter to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan undersigned by 955 signatures. The system will include Agarak town, Alvanq, Shvanidzor and Nrnadzor villages, besides Meghri town. This project is supported by the World Bank, nevertheless, the residents of these villages are concerned, as they are well aware how they will have to pay for water which a group of people controls at their discretion notwithstanding people’s needs. Meghri resident Svetlana Poghosyan, “…We, Meghri residents, were not aware of any programs concerning water. We learnt when the decision had been adopted…900 people signed the protest against the project and sent it to the President and National Assembly… I can see personal interests of certain people in this program.”
Shvanidzor villager Hasmik Vanesyan, “Programs here are made at high rates, but no results. We only hear that program is implemented, but we don’t know what kind of program it is. Hot weather reigns here for two months, 40 C above zero, but water is supplied twice per month. If you can’t pay, you don’t have any water. Water stagnates and warms infest there, and we have to use such water…”
Suren Hovhannisyan, Director of “Arevik” National Park, “I am aware of this letter. I was also offered to sign it, but I turned down. Five people get benefit, 25 people suffer… we should think over that.”
Sergey Hayrapetyan, Meghri Mayor, “People having signed the protest are concerned with the river to become shallower and shallower. However, water should be used in the optimal way. If there is a reservoir, it will be used both in Meghri and other communities. Small reservoirs can be constructed in the communities where water will be collected in spring months and used…”
Rafik Araqelyan, Shvanidzor resident, “You hear this or that… People arrive here, come to agreement with community head and leave… community head does whatever they tell them to do. Nobody asks us anything…”
August 15, 2012 at 16:11