Irrigation and drinking water problems, hydropower sector pressure on water resources and the community, agricultural sales problems. These are the priority issues of Martuni enlarged community, Gegharkunik Region, which hinder the development of the community.
The socio-ecological condition of Martuni was discussed during the meeting with the representatives of the local government and the residents in Martuni and Verin Getashen in January 2022.
The deterioration of irrigation and drinking water systems in the community, on the one hand, and small hydropower plants, on the other hand, create conflicting situations between the villagers and the companies operating small hydropower plants, thus hindering the development of agriculture. There are disputes over the distribution of water between Astghadzor and Zolakar settlements. Due to the operation of "MARTUNI" SHPP in Martuni, along with "Argitchi" SHPP in Madina, Nerqin Getashen and Verin Getashen villages, "Dzorgyugh 2" and Dzorgyugh 3" SHPPs in Dzoragyugh, and "Vardenik" SHPP, there is a consequent problem with irrigation water in Vardenik.
Conflicts between the locals and the companies escalate regularly, especially during the summer, when villagers are deprived of the water that small hydropower plants carry in their pipes. This problem is more acute in Verin Getashen village, where "Argitchi" SHPP operates.
Problems Due to Lack of Corporate Social Responsibility
“One of the problems of Martuni development is insufficient efforts to use financial means of the companies preparing to operate small hydroelectric power plants, non-metallic mines and solar stations in the administrative territory of the community. The community is not demanding either. Besides that, there are almost no provisions in the companies' contracts to provide social assistance to the community,” Roza Julhakyan, PhD in Chemical Sciences said.
Non-Metallic Mines and Solar Stations To Be Built in Martuni
There are 7 companies operating non-metallic mine in the territory of Martuni: "QALOYAN" LLC, "SHOGHAGA" LLC, "SUZI-HRACHYA" LLC, "MER QARER" LLC, "MARIAM-GARIK" LLC, " BAROYAN BROTHERS” LLC and "PERLARO LOCAL INVESTMENTS "LLC.
Solar energy is gaining momentum in Martuni Community. It is planned to build 2 stations in Astghadzor village by "Bari Arev-2" and "A-S Energy" LLC with a capacity of 5,000.0 kW and 4,995.6 kW, respectively. The annual output of the first SHPP will constitute 8.58 million kWh, and that of the second - 8.50 million kWh. "PRO SAN" LLC will build "Prom Synthesis" station, which will have a capacity of 5,000 kW, the annual output will account for 8.60 million kWh.
February 24, 2022 at 12:41