Attention Will Be Paid to Wastewater Treatment, a Strategic Program Will Be Developed: Water Committee

In anticipation of the official launch of the "Improvement of Water and Irrigation Services" (WISE) program, today the Water Committee hosted representatives from the World Bank (WB), including Senior Water Resource Management Specialist and WISE program leader Ranu Singh, Senior Specialist Polad Karim, French Development Agency (AFD) Armenia representative Audrey Gourdian, and expert Armen Khudinyan.

The Chairman of the Water Committee, Aramazd Ghalamkaryan, along with other leaders, discussed the preparatory steps necessary for the official launch of the WISE program with their WB and AFD partners. This information was provided by the Water Committee.

Specifically, discussions included presenting loan agreements to the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly for ratification by Parliament, signing by the President of Armenia, forming the Program Coordinating Council, staffing the program implementation team, and developing necessary financial and operational documents.

Considering the diverse and interconnected issues in Armenia's water sector, particularly the wear and tear of irrigation infrastructure, limited access to safe water supply services for rural populations, and the increased risks posed by climate change, reforms in the water sector will take place within the framework of the WISE program. This will include the development of a strategic plan for the water sector and strengthening institutional capacities.

Additionally, investments will be made to modernize water supply and drainage systems, especially in rural areas, and to enhance the management of irrigation infrastructure and systems. Special attention will be given to wastewater treatment issues and opportunities for community engagement.

The program is expected to receive co-financing from the French Development Agency and the Government of the Republic of Armenia.