“Even if the World Bank experts issue a positive conclusion, anywat, “Nairit” will not be reactivated.”

The World Bank has agreed to find and attract a consulting company with international experience, which will assess the technical and financial feasibility of the “Nairit” chemical plant. The World Bank will provide 110,000 dollars for expertise. “Nairit” plant employees are filled with skepticism. During yesterday’s protest, the “Nairit” plant employees who were demanding the government their 18-month unpaid wages of 5 billion drams, were sure that the experts will come, put these 110 thousand dollars into their pockets, will eat and go away.

“Nairit” press secretary Anush Harutyunyan, in the conversation with Aravot.am, told that they were expecting the team of experts much earlier. “We were told that they will arrive on February 5, but the audit will begin just on February 25. We were expecting that they will finish by February 23 to 25.” Our interlocutor says that there are two versions of conclusion, either they are saying “yes” or “no”. Saying “yes” gives a hope that the plant will work in the future, but there had been a few of such audits and all of them had given positive conclusion, but the plant did not operate. This results in people’s distrust. I do not believe this audit. The audit was a few times and I repeat that the plant did not operate, moreover, people were fired from their jobs. In other words, what is the probability that the plant will be reopened after this positive conclusion, there is none.” In Anush Harutyunyan’s words, even if the World Bank issues a positive conclusion and decides that the plant should operate, then it has nothing to do with repayment of the debt. “They fired the employees and have to pay their salaries, and as to by what means, it is up to the government to worry about.”

Anush Harutyunyan is sure that the company will come, will do its job very duly, will issue the conclusion and will go away. “It is very likely that the audit will apply to the same company that has already conducted auditing. Thus, we can logically conclude that, yes, they extend time.”

 Elya HOVHANNISYAN