The process of consolidating communities will continue in Armenia

Arminfo. The process of consolidating communities will continue in Armenia. The Commission of the RA National Assembly on Territorial Administration and Environmental Protection issued a positive conclusion on the amendments to the law “On Administrative-Territorial Division” submitted by the RA government.

Presenting the amendments, RA Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Arnak Avetisyan noted that, as part of the proposed initiative, the Ararat community will be created, comprising the towns of Ararat and Vedi, as well as the villages of Ararat, Avshar, Armash, Yeraskh, Zangakatun, Landjar, Noyakert, Urtsalandj, Paruyr Sevak, Surenavan, Vardashat, Tigranashen, Aygevan, Aralez, Ginevet, Goravan, Dashtakar, Yeghegnavan, Landjanist, Lusashogh, Lusarat, Nor Kyank, Nor Ughi, Shaghap, Vosketap, Sisavan, Vanashen, Taperakan, Urtsadzor and Pokr Vedi.

It is also planned to consolidate the Vanadzor community, which, in addition to Vanadzor itself, will include the villages of Gugark, Darpas, Shaumyan, Pambak, Aznvadzor, Antaramut, Ardjut, Bazum, Gushar, Debed, Yeghegnut, Jamatun, Lernapat, Lernajur, Tsaghkots, Margahovit, Dzoraget, Dzoragyugh, Vahagnadzor, Vaagni and Karaberd.

The deputy minister recalled that the consolidation process has been underway since 2016. According to Arnak Avetisyan, local and international studies have shown that the consolidation of communities carried out according to a regional model is more effective and contributes to improving the quality of services provided by communities to citizens, further strengthening the capacity of communities and implementing reforms in community and local self-government more effectively. Since February 14, 2016, 99 community consolidation programs have been implemented, resulting in the formation of 57 communities instead of 915. With the adoption of the law, their number will be 55, while the total number of communities, including Yerevan, Gyumri and 5 other non-consolidated communities, will be 62.

Members of parliament from the opposition “Strong Armenia” faction expressed concern about the community consolidation process, noting the insufficient number of discussions within the communities themselves. The view was expressed that the proposal was driven by political expediency rather than the interests of the communities.

Nevertheless, lawmakers from the ruling faction voted to adopt the document, which will now be considered at a plenary session of the RA National Assembly.