The project will be aimed at the modernization and improvement of irrigation, water supply and drainage systems of Armenia. The project will consist of four main components: first, water sector reform and institutional strengthening of climate-resilient irrigation and rural water supply, as well as drainage services; second, the improvement of water supply and drainage systems in rural settlements; third, the modernization of irrigation infrastructure and systems management; fourth, the project management. The Chairman of the Water Committee under the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Aramazd Ghalamkaryan said at the sitting of the NA Standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs on February 26. The Chairman of the Committee presented for debate the draft law on Ratifying the Loan Agreement between the Republic of Armenia and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development on Water and Irrigation Services Enhancement Project: Phase 1.
The project will be co-financed by the French Development Agency in the amount of 70 million euros and by the Government of Armenia in the form of taxes, duties and other mandatory payments.
The rapporteur noted that the project is multi-phased. The first phase is planned for 5 years; there will also be a second phase of the Project. It is envisaged to allocate 185 million dollars for the first phase, and 250 million dollars for the second phase.
According to Aramazd Ghalamkaryan, the sector has not had a strategy or any strategic plan until now.
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Answering the committee members’ questions, the rapporteur noted that substantial funds have been allocated within the framework of the project for the modernization of infrastructure, but reservoirs are not included in it. The modernization and renewal of canals will be implemented within the framework of the project.
The Committee endorsed the draft law. It was proposed to include it in the draft agenda of the NA upcoming regular sittings.
RA NA
