Head of PSRC: water supply system is worn out

ArmInfo. Let's face it, our water supply system is worn out and needs a lot of investment.  Garegin Baghramyan, chairman of the Committee for the Regulation of  Public Services, stated to journalists on August 17 during a  briefing, answering a question regarding frequent interruptions in  water supply in the capital.

"According to what kind of investments the state can afford, such  qualitative changes are to be expected," he said.

Baghramyan noted that the Veolia Jur company (operator of water  supply and drainage in Yerevan and a number of regions) has specific  obligations, which it fulfills with a limited amount of investment.  In this regard, he emphasized that about 3 billion drams are  allocated to the company annually, considering such a volume as a  "drop in the ocean" on the scale of the entire country. "These funds  can only be used to replace only the most worn-out sections," the  PSRC chairman said.

He emphasized that the demand for water increases in the summer  season, which in turn increases the pressure in the system, but due  to the deterioration of the latter, accidents become more frequent.   At the same time, Baghramyan noted that in the event of prolonged  interruptions in the supply of water, the operator receives certain  fines.

It should be noted that recently, in the conditions of abnormal heat,  when the daytime air temperature exceeds 40 degrees, the cases of  emergency water cuts have increased in the capital. In addition,  water was cut off in some parts of Yerevan for one or more days. The  water situation is still unstable.  "Veolia Jur" CJSC (subsidiary of  the French "Veolia Generale des Eaux") is a common water supply and  drainage operator in Yerevan and a number of regions of Armenia.   Since January 1, 2017, property management of five companies passed  to "Veolia Jur":  Yerevan Jur, Armavodokanal, "Shirak Vodokanal",  "Lori Vodokanal" and "Nor Akunk".