Water Has Been Flowing Uninterrupted for 12 Days: Veolia Exhibits Inhumane Treatment, Claiming the Electricity Network Damaged the Pipeline

Today, on November 30, SHAMSHYAN.com received numerous complaints from residents of Mirakyan Street in Yerevan, who justifiably express that for 12 days, drinking water has been flowing freely in the mentioned street, and there is no authority taking responsibility to stop the water loss.

In a conversation with photojournalist Gagik Shamshyan, residents stated: “A few days ago, the electricity network damaged the water pipeline while performing some work, which has resulted in water flowing 24 hours a day for 12 days now. Today we learned that Veolia Water is increasing the water price starting January 1. It is interesting that if you are aware of the value of that much water, we have been reporting to both Veolia Water, the Malatia municipality, Yerevan municipality, and the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, but there has been no benefit. Each agency blames the other, resulting in water continuing to flow uncontrollably, creating an emergency situation for several houses and buildings.

It is no secret that if water accumulates, it affects the basements and damages the foundations of the buildings. Veolia Water representatives came, watched the situation, and ultimately stated that the pipeline was damaged by the electricity network, implying that they should repair it themselves. Our request to at least temporarily stop the water loss was of no avail. It is curious from whom Veolia Water is going to recover the cost of this water loss; presumably from the poor consumer. Who has seen, in the 21st century, when the world is fighting to conserve every drop of water, that here in Yerevan, Veolia Water shows inhumane treatment, claiming the electricity network damaged the pipeline? Brother, they damaged it, you fix it, and Veolia Water certainly has the means to do so. You will both do a good deed and prevent wasteful water loss.”