ASIF-3 PROGRAM TO START IN LATE 2006
Noyan Tapan
Dec 19 2006
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 19, NOYAN TAPAN. Information about the completion
of the Armenian Social Investment Fund’s (ASIF) second program and
the fund’s third program was discussed at the December 18 sitting
of the ASIF Board of Trustees conducted by the board chairman, the
RA prime minister Andranik Margarian. NT was informed about it from
the RA Government Information and PR Department.
According to the ASIF executive director Ashot Kirakosian, the ASIF-2
Program started in November 2000. In addition to a credit equivalent
to 20 mln USD, resources of the Armenian government, communities and
the grant and co-financing resources of the UK DFID were allocated. The
fund’s executive office received over 1,200 program-related proposals
from Armenian urban and rural communities. These proposals were
examined in accordance with the ASIF procedures.
The executive director said that 333 programs of the total contract
cost of 22.24 mln USD were implemented. Most of them were related to
comprehensive schools (60%), drinking water pipes (19%), specialized
schools (6%), community centers (5%) and medical establishments
(4%). 35 thousand two-seat desks were distributed to 620 schools
with the fund’s financing. During implementation of infrastructure
restoration programs, the fund cooperated actively with a number of
local and international sponsor organizations (Aznavour for Armenia,
IFAD, UNHCR, Hayastan and Tufenkian Foundations) and private
philanthropists, implementing 56 programs of 2.1 mln USD. During
the years under review, the finacial assistance to communities was
great as well, with about 1.43 mln USD being transferred for community
investments by local and international donor organizations and private
philanthropists. Besides, given the lack of knowledge, experience and
stable traditions for governing the newly established self-government
bodies in Armenia, the ASIF-2 Program also included the training
component with the aim of strengthening local self-government bodies
and community organizations. It was noted that the fund’s activities
were appreciated by communities, which prompted the government to
express its interest in the ASIF’s continuing its work and starting
the ASIF-3 Program. For this purpose a credit agreement of 25 mln
USD was signed between the Armenian government and the International
Development Association in September 12, 2006. A. Kirakosian said
that the ASIF-3 Program aims to improve the living standard of
the poor and vulerable groups through restoration of community
infrastructures, improvement of the quality and accessibility of
services, and development of additional capacities at community
and municipal level. The fund’s third program has three components
(community investments, formation of local self-government bodies’
capacities and management of ASIF-3 Program). It will start in the
second half of December 2006 and finish in June 2011. During this
period it is envisaged to implement numerous programs on restoration
of infrastructures of small and medium communities, mostly in poor
rural settlements, remote, isolated, mountainous communities and
communities of the earthquake zone.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
