VIDEO. There is not a day without a sewer pipe burst, says Avinyan

For years, funds have been allocated for the Zoological Park and theatrical performances based on tradition, without any legal grounds. This was stated by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan during the discussions on the 2024 state budget draft.

“We are experiencing degradation of our infrastructure. As you saw, one day we had a suspension in the Metro; we were carrying out works, changing tracks and rails—once again in a crisis management manner—because the infrastructure in Yerevan, from the Metro to the sewer systems… there is not a day without a sewer pipe burst, and it is clear that a city with a population of 1.2 million will face such issues. The more we underfund the programs, the more our problems will deepen,” Avinyan said.

As a solution, Avinyan suggested sharing part of the tax from business activities in Yerevan.

“With this reasoning, we will have crisis management issues, because if we immediately eliminate the subsidies, which I absolutely agree with, there was no legal basis for it—if we apply the elimination of the funding, where Yerevan, as the capital with everything centralized—infrastructure, people, and the economy—only receives 10%, please tell me, where do we find the money to resolve these issues? We suggest a transitional solution, which is very logical and fair. We say, at least at this stage, give us as much as you provided in 2023, and we will continue to work, and then we can discuss equitable distribution together and see what the fundamental solution is,” he added.

According to Avinyan, they are currently working on the complete implementation of the ticketing system for public transport, which will be operational next year with the goal of making the transport network entirely self-sufficient, as it is a significant burden.