School Closed Due to Developer Oligarch: 'Zhoghovurd'

The construction of five 35-story skyscrapers in Yerevan has disrupted the educational process at Posi School, known as Yerevan Hakob Oshakan Secondary School No. 172. For the past two weeks, classes at School No. 172 have been conducted online due to ongoing construction by 'Renshin' LLC, which has caused tremors in classrooms on higher floors, leaving students in panic. This was reported by the newspaper 'Zhoghovurd.'

What the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan, thinks about this situation is questionable; she has remained silent in such cases. However, it is evident that classes have been moved online to avoid hindering construction rather than the government halting the work. The developer constructing the skyscrapers at the Orbeli-Bagramyan intersection is 'Renshin.' According to information from 'Renshin's' official website, the design work has been carried out by foreign companies: 'Engineering by ARUP, a global leader in engineering solutions, and architecture by the international company Laguarda.low.'

It was previously reported by ArmLur.am that 'Renshin,' a city construction investment company, has a direct connection with the Deputy Prime Minister, Mher Grigoryan. The Deputy Prime Minister himself refrains from responding to queries, denying or confirming allegations. However, there are indications that 'Renshin' has achieved success in the construction sector under the patronage of Mher Grigoryan.

'Renshin' LLC has two shareholders: Arayik Karapetyan and Eduard Marutyan, who each own 50% of the company's shares. Moreover, the former building of the military hospital, where the construction is taking place, was sold in 2020, and the estimated value of the property as of July 8, 2020, was 7 billion 716 million AMD, equivalent to almost 19 million USD. According to a 2020 government decision, the buyer was obliged to maintain the architectural appearance of the valuable structures by merely renovating and improving them. In return, they would be allowed to build up to 12-story buildings on the left and right sections of the current main building of the hospital. However, the current project implies the construction of five 35-story skyscrapers. Is this not a violation of regulations? It remains to be seen. This company, entangled in corruption risks and apparent privileges, states that the project's completion is expected by the end of 2026. It turns out that students are expected to continue online classes for two years until the 'heart' of the government finishes construction with an unacceptable number of floors.

Furthermore, it is unfortunate that Zhanna Andreasyan, who frequently appears at official meetings with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, has not addressed the situation. Instead of apologizing to the children and parents, she is drafting a new and infamous bill. It can be noted that under this government, education is declining while housing construction is on the rise. This reflects the false educational values being propagated by the authorities.