ArmInfo.The mayor's office proposed the government to reconsider the agreement with the single water operator of Armenia, Velolia Jour, thus making it possible to make significant investments in the country's water system, Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan stated this on July 24 during a press conference.
"These processes are currently being discussed, and I am sure we will get decisions this year," he emphasized.
Referring to the existing concession agreement with the company, Avinyan drew attention to the fact that Veolia Jur is obliged to annually replenish the state treasury by 9-10 billion drams as a fee for the use of state property. At the same time, the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) annually allocates only 3-4 billion drams to companies for the implementation of investment programs. According to the mayor, such an amount is not enough even to solve the problems accumulated over the years in the capital, let alone the whole state.
"Don't let this sound like an excuse for "Veolia Jur" as they really can do better. But we must understand that the company needs additional investments in the amount of about 10 billion drams. And she uses these funds as payment for the use of state property. Discussions with the government are currently underway to ensure that this payment is directed towards the implementation of investment programs," the mayor explained, emphasizing that almost the entire water infrastructure of Armenia is worn out.
