Tuesday, July 7 2020 16:32

ArmInfo. Issues related to the  modernization of infrastructures, the construction of the Kaps  reservoir and gravity water utilities, as well as the construction of  the Armenia- Georgia power transmission line, were the subject of  discussions on July 7 between the Minister of Territorial  Administration and Infrastructures of the Republic of Armenia Suren  Papikyan and the German Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia Michael  Banzhaf.

As the press service of the Ministry of Territorial Administration  and Infrastructures of the Republic of Armenia reports, during the  meeting Suren Papikyan praised the effective participation and  support of the German Development Agency (GIZ) and the Bank for  Reconstruction and Development (KFW) in implementing the program of  reforming the local government system, improving the quality of  services in enlarged communities and community infrastructure  development. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the partnership  and constructive approach of KFW Bank to resume the program of  modernization of the rural water supply network and wastewater  disposal.

In turn, the German ambassador spoke about the creation of offices to  serve citizens in numerous communities, as well as the need to  implement joint projects to improve water and energy infrastructure.   He confirmed the readiness of the German side to help the Armenian  government in their implementation.  According to the ambassador,  close cooperation between Armenia and the German governments is  manifested, especially in the areas coordinated by the Ministry of  Territorial Administration and Infrastructures.

During the meeting, the parties addressed issues related to the  modernization of infrastructures, the construction of the Kaps  reservoir and gravity water channels, as well as the construction of  the Armenia- Georgia power transmission line. These projects are  supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and  Development and KFW Bank. The interlocutors were unanimous on the  need to take measures to overcome existing obstacles due to the  coronavirus pandemic and ensure the sustainable continuation of the  above programs.

Earlier, ArmInfo reported that the German bank KfW will provide  Armenia a grant of 23.2 million euros for the implementation of a  program for the preservation of biodiversity and sustainable local  development. Grant funds were provided by the German Federal Ministry  for Economic Cooperation and Development. The volume of financial  assistance from Germany is unprecedented in the region and is one of  the largest globally.

In addition, KfW, with the co-financing of the Armenian government,  is assisting in the implementation of the program for the  construction of the Kaps Reservoir and a gravity irrigation system,  the total budget of which amounted to 60 million euros. At the first  stage, it is planned that the volume of the reservoir will be 25  million cubic meters, after which it will reach 60 million cubic  meters. Within the framework of the program, it is planned to build a  dam and auxiliary structures of the Kaps reservoir, re-equip the  hydrological observation networks of the Akhuryan River (from Lake  Arpi to the Akhuryan Reservoir), build additional stations and create  a centralized database (SCADA system). As a result of the successful  implementation of the program, it will be possible to replace the  mechanical irrigation system by gravity, covering 2280 hectares of  land. Thus, it will be possible to save 1.3 million kW / h of  electricity.

It is also planned to build a 400/500 kV power transmission line  Iran-Armenia-Georgia. For this purpose, it is planned to build 2  electric substations "Airum" and "Ddmashen". According to FICHTNER,  the preliminary cost of the Armenia-Georgia power transmission  construction program is 326.9 million euros, 10% of which should be  part of Georgia's contribution. For these purposes, three loan  agreements were signed in 2014-2015. In particular, the German bank  KfW allocated 168 million euros in the form of a loan, another 10  million euros will be provided by the European Investment Bank. It is  expected to receive another 10 million euros in the form of a grant  from the European Commission.