Minister: Armenia needs $ 2.5 billion to modernize sewage disposal system

ArmInfo. In Armenia, investments in the amount of $ 2.5 billion are needed to modernize the sewage disposal system, Artsvik Minasyan, Minister of Nature Protection, stated at the sitting of the parliament, in the first reading, submitted amendments to the Water Code and a package of accompanying laws adopted at the session of the parliament on January 16 in the first reading.

The Minister noted that in order to solve the task, the Armenian government has developed a long-term program until 2030, which involves the involvement of business entities in the system that can provide diversification services in various volumes. Thus, Artsvik Minasyan continued, conditions will be created for the development of the sphere and creation of a business environment.  The need for the package is also due to the fact that the current tariff for water supply and sewage disposal provides for a certain amount, which until 2030 will be $ 100 million, which is extremely low for the implementation of an ambitious program. Involvement of private investors in the project will make it possible to solve the task in the long term. As the minister noted, till today in Armenia in the sphere of water management more attention has been paid to water supply issues, the problems with wastewater disposal, maintenance of environmental measures have receded into the background.

The proposed package is aimed at a comprehensive solution of the issue. In it, in particular, the concepts of sewage and their types are clarified. Water resources are recognized as the exclusive property of the state, and they are managed in accordance with the license. Those persons who do not have competitors are subject to licensing. Local authorities should ensure the availability of private companies to wastewater treatment plants.

At the same time, several investors, having united, will also receive the right to construct a purification plant. At present, there are only 6 mechanical cleaning stations in Armenia. The government intends to create conditions for the creation of numerous biological wastewater treatment plants. For these purposes, conditions for the return of the invested funds are created for business. In the package, the separation of wastewater, waste water and wastewater treatment, including the separation of licenses, is aimed at stimulating investment, especially outside the territory of a single operator, which will make it possible to improve the drainage system in rural areas.