Neglect Once Again Harms Daily Wage Earners and Taxpaying Citizens, Says Takhouhi Tovmasyan

“Due to the ongoing neglect of the fire and technical safety regulations by both the entrepreneurs and the controlling state bodies, again, daily wage earners and taxpaying citizens are suffering,” wrote Takhouhi Tovmasyan, the chairwoman of the Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs Committee of the National Assembly of Armenia.

1. Over the last 20 years, more than 150 fires have been recorded in the Republic's markets, shopping centers, and large supermarkets, with the material damages exceeding 600 million drams. The majority of these incidents have been attributed to the disregard for fire safety regulations, careless handling of flammable and explosive materials, and violations in the technical operation of electrical equipment.

2. On April 6, 2021, 18 stalls in the same “Surmalu” shopping center were burned due to faulty electrical wires, and none of the operating entities have received any material compensation to this day. Furthermore, as the entrepreneurs themselves report, various methods have been employed to “silence” them.

3. The laws of the Republic of Armenia regarding “State Regulation of Technical Safety” and “Fire Safety” establish numerous technical and safety requirements, including the provision for appropriate evacuation routes and fire protection measures, including automatic fire suppression systems and fire alarm systems. However, in many cases and locations, these do not exist or are not adhered to.

4. Moreover, Article 2 of the Law on Fire Safety guarantees the provision of quality and reliable fire protection for the population of the Republic of Armenia. However, the warehouse that became the epicenter of the explosion had already been subjected to administrative penalties by the Inspectorate for Urban Development, Technical and Fire Safety last year, with orders issued to eliminate violations. Now the question arises: to what extent has the Inspectorate been consistent in the timely oversight of the work aimed at eliminating the violations stipulated in Article 15, Clause 3 of the Law on State Regulation of Technical Safety?

5. Even today, basic electrical safety standards are not being observed in many facilities in the capital. One ordinary electrical wire provides power to about 30 shops, and even the basic hygiene rules are lacking. The presence of an adequate number of toilets of proper quality is problematic in the “Surmalu” shopping center. However, the citizen, in this case, the worker of the “Surmalu” shopping center, is obliged to be a law-abiding taxpayer, must pay taxes and rental fees without delay, yet has no guarantees for the safety of their life and work.

6. The “Surmalu” building is outdated. It was adapted and furnished in the building of the former canned goods factory, and its hazardous state is increasing day by day. I believe that “Surmalu” should be closed immediately until all necessary measures to comply with safety regulations are implemented.

7. To maximize the protection of society and individuals from technical accidents, industrial incidents, and their consequences, such large, significant shopping centers, warehouses, and service centers should be relocated outside the city of Yerevan to secure extensive green areas. It is unacceptable to store and sell toys or food near explosive materials. This is one of the ways to avoid fires, industrial disasters, and their severe consequences. Otherwise, not learning from every misfortune and not correcting mistakes will lead to new tragic incidents.

I extend my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives on August 14, wish a safe return to the missing, and a speedy recovery to the injured.”