TWO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS LAUNCH IN MEGHRI CITY

ARKA
Nov 5, 2008

YEREVAN, November 5. /ARKA/. Two community development projects
launched today in Meghri city of Syunik region, the press service of
the UNDP Armenian office reports.

The projects were implemented jointly by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP), the Izmirlian Foundation and Meghri municipality,
with components of the Crafts Center co-sponsored by the Swiss Agency
for Development and Cooperation and UK Department for International
Development.

"Already this year, Meghri residents will feel the difference between
the previously organized garbage collection and the option which is
available today," the UNDP says.

As part of the joint project, the partners renovated the landfill and
installed a total of 35 new garbage containers and 35 dustbins around
the city. One garbage collecting truck and one excavator-loader were
provided to take away the waste on a daily basis. The maintenance of
the waste management system is organized by a company established by
Meghri municipality. The company employs locally recruited staff of
12 people.

In 2008, the partners worked jointly to fully renovate a house into
the Meghri Crafts Center. As a result, in the building, with a total
area of 100 square meters, five different activity groups will be
organized for local people, such as blacksmithing, pottery, wood
engraving, carpet weaving and embroidery.

The Crafts Center will operate in the neighborhood of the guesthouse
reconstructed by UNDP and the Izmirlian Foundation in 2007. The
output produced by local craftsmen will be offered to guests of the
inn.