Armenian premier instructs appropriate institutions to investigate illegalities committed in reconstruction of national library building

“What a shame! This is a very important cultural facility, which is in the limelight of the public,” he said. “We have allocated AMD 700 million from the budget. Nothing has been done so far, and it has become clear that additional funds are needed.” 

The premier also ordered an intense scrutiny of implementation of all other government-financed construction programs. 

“If such an important facility is treated with such impudence, one can imagine violations made at others,” he said. 

Urban Planning Minister Samvel Tadevosyan said that the repair was launched in 2008 and completed in December 2011, but neither seismic resistance of the building has been enhanced nor protection from underground and ground waters has been ensured. Only interior of the building has been repaired, while heating and ventilating systems have not been installed. 

The minister also said that a firefighting system irrelevant to library buildings has been installed here. 

“As a result, a major part of work has to be made again,” he said. 

Armenian National Library was established in 1832. Some 7 million books are kept here..-0--