«It's Better to Set Up a Tent in the Courtyard and Sleep» Says Vanadzor Dormitory Residents

A fire that broke out on January 10 at the student dormitory on 14 Student Street in Vanadzor caused significant damage due to the water used by firefighters during the extinguishing process.

This was reported during a Facebook live broadcast by Armen Yeghiazaryan, a member of the National Assembly from the ‘Enlightened Armenia’ faction. He stated, “Residents have serious complaints, as these consequences have not been addressed and left to fate.

One resident specifically mentioned, “The fire was simply an impetus for us to understand that living here is impossible, because families are growing, children are getting older, and the air is not enough for one family alone. For example, my son is in the army, and four of us live in a 23-square-meter space. We need to place four beds for four people, but there’s no opportunity for that.”

Residents reported that a city hall employee from Vanadzor came and registered their complaints, but they do not know what solution will be provided. There is also uncertainty regarding compensation for burnt property.

One of the residents expressed serious concerns about the building's seismic safety, saying, “I’d rather set up a tent in the courtyard and sleep there, so I could rest easy for my children, than stay in the building. I understand that they cannot provide apartments for so many families, but at least they should create a program where we can pay and make the apartment ours.”

For more details, watch the video.