Friday, 12 August 2011
PM Attends MCA-Armenia-Funded Re-Commissioning of Zolakar and Martuni Pumping Stations
On a trip to Gegharkunik Marz, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan attended today the re-commissioning of Zolakar and Martuni pumping stations. In attendance was U.S. Charge d’Affairs to Armenia Bruce Donahue.
Refurbished with funds available from the Millennium Challenge Account – Armenia (USD 3.5mn and 2.5mn invested respectively), Zolakar and Martuni pumping stations are situated in “Sevan” national park and are powered with Sevan Lake waters. To cope with the problems arising due to water level fluctuations, a new 2nd level pumping station was built in Zolakar, with the former facility having been upgraded in Martuni.
The activities comprise installation of deep-water pumps, introduction of automated management systems etc. As a result, 9000 water users can enjoy reliable irrigation for about 800 hectares of land.
MCA-Armenia has invested a total of USD 8 million in the marz, including the rehabilitated Vardenis gravity system and intra-community networks in 9 communities.
The rehabilitation of 17 pumping-stations is the largest component of MCA-Armenia’s activities, with over USD 40mn invested on the part of the U.S. government. 61 modern pumps and engines, as well as automated control systems were put in place in 17 pumping-stations.
Answering the journalists’ questions, the Premier stated in part: “A total of USD 177 million has been invested under the Millenium Challenge Account Program covering some 350 rural communities strong with nearly 400.000 residents.
Infrastructures and irrigation systems were the main target leading to higher water management efficiency and system modernization, in general. The second major impact is that technical assistance has been extended to the farmers through exchange of know-how and consultancy.
Lending was the second component aimed at promoting small and medium-size enterprise in the region. In general, this project is among the best ones carried out in our country for the past few years for which a vote of thanks is due to the government of the United States on behalf of the Armenian government.”
