LACK OF COMMUNITY THINKING AND INITIATIVE

KarabakhOpen
05-02-2008 12:08:29

Prime Minister Ara Harutiunyan took part in the annual community
meeting of the town of Askeran. Once again the prime minister witnessed
that due to the passivity of the local government a number of minor
problems of the community are not being solved.

Although the state of water and gas supply is relatively better
in Askeran, the demographic situation worries. According to Mayor
Shekyan, the community has a population of 2145, but in 2007 only
23 children were born and 5 marriages were registered. The index of
natural growth is lower compared to other areas.

The mayor says this demographic situation is caused by the problem
of housing. Most young families have nowhere to live and they prefer
to leave.

In this connection the prime minister noted that there will be
a special approach to Askeran because this town has strategic
importance. Soon the mortgage policy will be launched here, blocks
of apartments will be built, and most young families will have an
opportunity to buy an apartment.

The government is likely to build houses for the families of killed
soldiers, disabled people and families having many children. The prime
minister also promised to help with the construction of the new school.

>From September 300 children of Askeran will study at the new school.

The prime minister criticized the fact that tax collection was 75
percent, and ten million drams was not collected. Meanwhile, the
money would be enough to heat the House of Culture and to replace
some water pipes in the town.

"Government assistance does not mean that the community should not
do anything at all," Ara Harutiunyan says. He thinks it is strange
that the town does not have a marketplace. Get the town hall work,
the prime minister advised, the department of information and public
relations of the government reports.