We consider that every percent of unspent capital expenditures this year means lost job opportunities. Pashinyan

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a consultation where the implementation of capital programs in the infrastructure and housing construction sectors was discussed. This information comes from the Prime Minister's office.

The Prime Minister noted that capital programs are particularly important this year and should be implemented with particular diligence regarding the planned expenditure levels. “Why is this year exceptionally important, and what practices do we have concerning capital expenditures from previous years? Our experience from past years shows that capital expenditures have traditionally been underperformed in Armenia. However, despite the underperformance of capital expenditures in 2019, we saw unprecedented economic activity. This year, we are in a crisis, and therefore our primary tool for emerging from this crisis is the effective implementation of capital expenditures.

We consider that every percent of unspent capital expenditures this year means lost job opportunities, means families without wages, means businesses that should benefit, make profits, and operate within the context of public expenditure, which in turn complicates the already heavy social situation in our country. In this regard, we truly need to implement capital expenditures with special quality and scale,” said Nikol Pashinyan, recalling that most capital expenditures are carried out by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure.

The Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Suren Papikyan reported that a total of 22 billion 380 million drams has been allocated in the state budget for the ministry's capital expenditures for 2020, of which 21 billion drams is directed toward road construction. Within the framework of these funds, 250 km of roads are planned to be rehabilitated throughout the Republic. Additionally, partial repairs are expected to be carried out on another 80 km of roads, while vital roads spanning 65 km will be renovated, and another 90 km of roads will be completely renovated under loan projects. Suren Papikyan emphasized that preparations for construction are underway, and actual construction will start on May 5.

The Minister also touched upon plans for capital expenditures in other directions. Subsequently, the Deputy Chairman of the Urban Development Committee, Armen Ghulyan, reported on the progress of housing construction projects in the disaster zone in Spitak, Vanadzor, and Gyumri, mentioning the design work for housing construction.

The Prime Minister instructed to carry out all the aforementioned works vigorously and within the prescribed deadlines.