$3.5mln assigned for small scale infrastructures development over 3 years

 May 31, 2011 - 15:48 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - On May 31, 2011, the USAID-funded Small Scale Infrastructure Program (SSIP), implemented by Cooperative Housing Foundation International (CHF) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Armenia signed a Statement of Understanding (SOA) related to the implementation of two potable water system rehabilitation projects in Tavush region.

The SOA was signed by UN Resident Coordinator/UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Ms. Dafina Gercheva and CHF International Armenia Branch Country Director Mr. Zoran Radic, with participation of national and international stakeholders and representatives of mass media.

The main objective of the document is to provide support to enhanced rural development in Armenia putting the emphasis on increasing living standards of the rural households through temporary employment and provision reconstruction of vital infrastructure.

SSIP and UNDP/Armenia will jointly implement projects in the border communities of Aygepar and Voskevan in Tavush region. Potable water systems in communities are over 50 years old and are in need of serious repairs and improvement. The leakages in the systems do not allow providing the communities with regular water supply. Construction of 2.5 km pipeline in Aygepar and 4 km pipeline in Voskevan with necessary infrastructure will allow community members to have drinking water round-the-clock.

“UNDP works at national, regional and local levels to provide targeted response to development challenges in Armenia. Addressing the needs of bordering communities and providing community residents with an access to basic infrastructure and services is one of the high priorities on the UNDP agenda. By working together with CHF, we can change for better the living standards in Aygepar and Voskevan communities,” said Dafina Gercheva, UN RC/UNDP RR.

In his remarks CHF Country Director Zoran Radic said: “USAID funded SSIP has a great advantage to similar projects because it has been able to mobilize a number of partners who together contributed to its objectives. To date, CHF has been able to generate $1.5 million in matching funds from different government and non-governmental sources for SSIP in addition to USAID’s $3.5 million. These two projects are yet another great example of the collaborative effort of international community for the benefit of residents of Aygepar and Voskevan.”