Armenian authorities want to continue the process of consolidating communities

Arminfo. The Armenian authorities want to continue the process of consolidating communities. At the September 14 plenary session of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, amendments to the law "On the Administrative-Territorial Division" are being discussed in the first reading.

Presenting the document, RA Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Arnak Avetisyan noted that, within the framework of the proposed initiative, the Ararat community will be created, comprising the cities 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, Yegegnavan, 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, Yegegnut, Zhamatun, Lernapat, Lernadjur, Tsakhkots, 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 community amalgamations carried out under the regional model are more effective and contribute to improving the quality of services provided by communities to citizens, further strengthening community capacity, and implementing reforms in community and local self-government more effectively. Since February 14, 2016, 99 community amalgamation programs have been implemented, as a result of which 57  communities were formed 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-amalgamated communities, will be 62.

It should be noted that 29 deputies have registered to speak on the presented document.