ROADWORKS ON `NORTH-SOUTH’ GO ON
Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
18 March 05
During the telethon held by the all-Armenian fund `Hayastan’ in Los
Angeles and phonothon in a number of European countries last November
more than 11 million dollars was raised for the construction of the
highway `North – South’ in NKR. The construction of the backbone of
Artsakh was resumed at the beginning of this year, at several parts
simultaneously: Tsakuri – Hadrut 11.2 km, Kichan – Chldran 10.3 km and
Stepanakert (crossroad of Shushi) – Avetaranots – crossroad of
Sarushen 8.7 km. The construction of the mountainous parts of the road
brings about many problems. In this reference the road Stepanakert –
Sarushen is especially difficult. Road works are done by `Karavan’
Ltd. which also built the 14 km section of the road connecting
Sarushen and Karmir Shuka. Especially the mountainous road
Stepanakert – Avetaranots requires much effort. The huge rocks near
Zarun Bagh can be removed only through explosions. Moreover, during
the roadworks on the rocky edge of the gorge the traffic between
Stepanakert and the southern and southwestern areas of the republic
will be blocked. We had a talk with the president of `Karavan’
Ltd.Hakob Hakobian on the problems occurring during the construction
of the highway. `There are all the necessary conditions for finishing
work in time and even ahead of schedule. Another favourable condition
is that our builders gained very good experience working in the
mountain pass of Selim.’ He added that the company is equipped with
powerful machines which will enable working efficiently. The company
also owns two tarmac factories. Hakob Hakobian said there will be need
to involve in the roadworks several other companies specialized in
overcoming landslides, rocks. Arrangements were made with the company
`Bekor’ fromYerevan which will deal with explosions. The volume of
explosions will total 180 thousand cubic meters. The total sum of
money provided for the construction of this part of the road is 2
million 418 thousand drams, that is to say, there will be no financial
problems. Roadworks started a month and a half ago.
NIKOLAY BAGHDASSARIAN.
18-03-2005