ArmInfo.Since 2018, under the subvention programmes and as direct financing, Armenia`s government has allocated nearly $400mln to communities` socio-economic development, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated at the Nov. 18 cabinet meeting after the approval of allocation of about AMD 462.3mln to four communities under subvention programmes.
Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan reported that the funds will be allocated to the implementation of four projects approved this year, as well as to continuation and completion of socio-economic development projects in four communities in Lori, Gegharkunik, Aragatsotn and Shirak.
Specifically, one AMD 9mln worth project is being implemented in Aragatsotn, one AMD 7mln worth project in Gegharkunik, one AMD 5.2mln worth project in Lori and one AMD 441mln worth project in Shirak.
Under the largest-scale project being implemented in Shirak, the Gyumri fleet of passenger vehicles will be renewed, with 63 minivans purchased. Some of the minivans are designed for people with disabilities. "The cost of the programme is AMD 882mln, with the Gyumi municipality to cover 50%," the minister said. Premier Nikol Pashinyan noted that the budget of subvention programmes implemented this year in cooperation with communities is AMD 47bln. Moreover, the government is directly investing in communities. "We have summed up the data: direct investments in communities have totaled AMD 86bln since 2018. schools are renovated in many towns, but not under subvention programmes. So since 2018 we have invested about US $400mln under subvention programmes and as direct investments," Pashinyan said. He stressed that the 2022 draft budget provides for larger investments.