The final phase of transferring drinking water system to one single operator

“The process of transferring drinking water system to one single operator is in the final phase. It is envisaged to sign the Contract in the coming week”, said the Chairman of the State Committee of Water Economy Mr. Arsen Harutyunyan during the meeting with the representatives of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

The loan officer of EBRD Ms. Tea Melikadze represented to the newly appointed Chairman ongoing and implemented projects by the Bank in Armenia. The representative mentioned that “Armenian Small Communities Water Program”, which was implemented during 2012-2015, proved that the Republic of Armenia represented by the State Committee of Water Economy, is a reliable partner and the objectives coincide with the priorities of the Bank.

“The financial part of EBRD in the program of Armenian Small Communities was 6.5 mln Euro loan. The aim of the program was to improve water supply in the RA Tavush, RA Lori, RA Shirak, RA Kotayk, RA Syunik and RA Vayots Dzor Regions, as well as the construction of wastewater treatment plants in the RA Tavush Region (Dilijan city), RA Vayots Dzor (Djermuk city). The successful implementation of this program gave us hope for further cooperation and for launching current projects”, said Ms. Tea Melikadze.

It should be mentioned that EBRD carries out “Armenian Water and Wastewater Investment Program”, the total cost of which is 80 mln Euro, “Water Improvement Program” for Yerevan with the cost of 21 mln USD dollars.

EBRD currently implements “Armenia Water Investment Program” as well, the objective of which is to develop and organize tender processes for smooth transferring of the management of five companies to one single operator. Speaking about the signing of the Contract for one single operator, the SCWE Chairman mentioned that tender conditions were sufficiently clear and severe, the main objective of which was to protect the interests of population.

“Tender process lasted long enough. We discussed unified tariff issue during negotiation phase taking into account the interests of all parties. Furthermore, the Lessee should pay 89 billion AMD lease amount to the RA Government during the next 15 years. In my opinion such kind of careful selection should have its positive impact on the system”, informed the Chairman Mr. Arsen Harutyunyan.