ArmInfo.A meeting chaired by RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took place on July 7 to discuss the government's priority investment plan in Yerevan and Gyumri.
According to the government's press service, the meeting addressed, among other things, issues requiring priority resolution in Yerevan and Gyumri. These initiatives are outlined in the election program of the "Civil Contract" party, follow directives issued by the Prime Minister, and require financial or institutional support from the government. Before presenting the problems and proposed solutions, the Prime Minister noted in his speech: " "Certainly, we discussed this topic prior to the 2026 election campaign; however, the visits conducted during the campaign revealed a need for more targeted state investment in Yerevan and Gyumri and the implementation of specific programs. This is primarily because, due to the specificities of management processes in both Yerevan and Gyumri, some time has been lost since 2018, and there is an expectation for the government to take active steps to make up for lost time."
The Head of State added that, in this context, he had instructed the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure to work jointly with the Yerevan Municipality and the administration of the Shirak Region to gain a more precise understanding of the programs that should be implemented in Yerevan and Gyumri to address these issues more effectively.
Subsequently, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Arnak Avetisyan presented the government's plan for priority investments in Yerevan and the steps aimed at their phased implementation. First, he presented programs identified through joint efforts with the Yerevan Municipality, which are expected to have the most significant impact on the quality of life, urban infrastructure, and economic development in the coming years. In this context, the issue of ensuring 24- hour water supply was raised, noting the significant deterioration of existing infrastructure, high levels of water loss, and supply shortages. It was noted that to reduce losses, investments must be made to secure new water sources and modernize the system. Regarding road construction works of up to 50 km per year, it was reported that, in accordance with the Prime Minister's directive, these have been included in the list of projects for the construction of 500 km of roads being implemented by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure. Work is already underway to identify and plan road sections totaling 50 km for capital repair by 2027, with medium-complexity work scheduled for 2026.
Metro development and modernization programs approved at the 8th meeting of the State Investment Committee were also addressed, including the construction of stations, electric urban planning solutions, and improved mobility. As part of the urban modernization program for the Kond district, plans include the construction of pedestrian and roadways, utility infrastructure, outdoor lighting, landscaping, and improvements. The implementation of the projected and reconstructed sections is scheduled to begin.
Details of other investment programs requiring priority decisions and funding were also presented, including the restoration of bridge structures, modernization of drainage networks, development of elevator infrastructure, construction of individual road junctions, and more. Proposals for major infrastructure investment programs of significant importance for the city's future development were also presented.
Arnak Avetisyan also presented a plan for priority investments planned for Gyumri. First, the issue of ensuring a 24-hour water supply was raised, emphasizing that while there is a 24-hour supply, there are occasional interruptions during peak periods. A program to modernize the water supply systems is needed. Approximately 6.6 billion drams have been invested in the creation of a tourism cluster in Gyumri under the "Local Economy and Infrastructure Development" program. An additional $16.5 million is planned for investment in the development of the tourism cluster under the "Tourism and Regional Infrastructure Development Program" of Armenia. In this regard, it is proposed to include projects for the reconstruction of Victory Park, the central market, and the fountain on Manushyan Street in the program, which will contribute to the balanced development of the city.
The next question concerned the final resolution of dilapidated buildings. It was stated that as of July 1, 2026, there are 2,465 such buildings in Gyumri. According to preliminary estimates, the government is obligated to pay compensation to approximately 596 families living in them. In this regard, the importance of introducing integrated compensation mechanisms and the actual demolition of hazardous buildings to finally resolve this problem was also emphasized. Regarding the issue of the complete reconstruction of 37 streets in the Ani and Austria districts, it was noted that design work is currently underway. It is proposed to simultaneously improve courtyards, build playgrounds and mini-football fields, and install a lighting network.
Arnak Avetisyan reported that the list of 500 km of road construction programs implemented by the Ministry of Transport Inspection includes 25 km of road construction in Gyumri annually. Accordingly, approximately 70 km of the 180 km of roads in Gyumri have already been repaired, while the remaining 110 km are in very poor condition. It was noted that planning is underway to construct 25 km of roads in Gyumri annually. The issue of dilapidated buildings in Gyumri was also addressed at the meeting, noting the presence of several dilapidated buildings that require a differentiated approach, taking into account the historical and cultural significance of some of them. The issue of repairing the bridge on Alexei Manukyan Street was also discussed. It was noted that, in parallel with the construction of 25 km of roads, it is proposed to also consider the only heavily trafficked bridge connecting two busy parts of the city, which is of great importance to the city. The construction of a bus station in Gyumri was also discussed.
During the discussion, comments were made on issues requiring priority solutions in Yerevan and Gyumri, along with proposals for their solutions. Referring to the issues raised and the proposed solutions, the Prime Minister emphasized that all the presented programs must be implemented in accordance with procedures, adding that urgent attention must be paid to the issues requiring priority solutions.
