VIDEO: The Disgraceful and Shameful Roads to the Shaghumyan Cemeteries in Yerevan

“I am addressing you with a request that I have also sent to Mr. Avinyan on August 8, 2023, and I have not received any response, let alone a solution.” This alarming message has reached Auroranews. The issue pertains to the Shaghumyan cemeteries in Yerevan. The citizen who contacted us also reports that they reached out to Mayor Mr. Avinyan a year ago but received no response.

Let us quote a part of the letter that was also provided to us: “Dear Mr. Avinyan, I am Mery Kalashyan, and I am compelled to address you with a very important request. My concern relates to the deplorable, disgraceful, and shameful roads of the Shaghumyan cemeteries, particularly in the area referred to as Spandaryan. I believe it is no secret how much money is demanded from us by the so-called caretakers of the cemeteries in exchange for plots. Although the law stipulates that a burial site should be allocated free of charge, citizens simply cannot bury their loved ones in these supposedly free sites, as they are more suitable for landfills.

It is entirely unclear how these individuals ended up at the helm of such a lucrative business. Nevertheless, being at the forefront of an income-generating and cost-effective business, they are so cruel and insatiable that they do not even provide decent roads to access the cemeteries. I would request that these individuals (and not our budget) be responsible for improving the roads. I believe you should be able to find ways to compel them to ensure passable roads and minimal cleanliness in the cemeteries. If you decide to visit the cemetery to familiarize yourself with the situation on-site, please ensure you do so thoroughly, as only the entrance area has been improved, thanks to the fundraising efforts of the deceased's relatives. In the remaining areas, conditions are appalling, and every time we visit the cemeteries, we only damage our vehicles.

This means we have paid for cemetery plots, we pay property tax, but we navigate disgracefully unmaintained roads. The waste management at the cemeteries is also a major issue. Firstly, there aren’t enough trash bins installed, and secondly, the bins are always full. I hope my request will receive a response. I thank you in advance.”

Auroranews's inquiry to the Yerevan Municipality: The Yerevan Municipality's response to the inquiry.