USAID presents a water management project in Armenia

YEREVAN, August 10. /ARKA/. A project for management of southern water basins in Armenia developed by the USAID as part of “Clean Energy and Water” program was presented in Yerevan on Friday, in presence of ministers, research institutions and international organizations.

The project was elaborated based on the study of river basins of Vorotan, Vokhchi and Meghriget, in cooperation with Armenia’s ministry of environment. The cost of “Clean Energy and Water” program is $5.6 million.

It took four years to develop the project, and this document is the most important one defining a comprehensive approach toward management of limited resources, vice-premier and minister of international economic integration and reforms Vache Gabrielyan said.

The project experience will allow the government applying the same approach across the country, the vice-premier said.

The implementation of this project is important amid reduced surface water sources, said Simon Papyan, first deputy minister of environment.

The most recent study by the ministry showed surface water will reduce by another 10-12% in Armenia by 2030, and the country may face a serious challenge, Papyan said. Hence, efficiency of water use should be enhanced, he added.

Head of USAID Yerevan office Karen Hilliard said they have supported Armenia’s government in water management field for many years.

The current plan is the first step on the way of practical use of the existing legal framework that has been improved through long years’ efforts, she said. Southern basins are selected upon the government’s request as the ones suffering the largest deficit of water, she added.

Head of “Clean Energy and Water” program Magda Avetisyan said the project covers management issues for all water resources in Siunik region.
 
Avetisyan expressed hopes that the project would be approved by the government and efficient water management policies could be implemented.

USAID-funded “Clean Energy and Water” program is developed by the local office of the American “Mendez England & Associates”, in cooperation with the ministry of environment, ministry of energy, ministry of territorial administration and the Public Services Regulatory Commission.

According the ministry of environment, annual water abstraction amounted to 2,860.2 million cubic meters in 2014; total consumption was 2,112.8 million cubic meters. Transmission losses were 747.4 million cubic meters or 26.1% of the abstraction. Wastewater discharges amounted to 846.5 million cubic meters. –0—