`WARM’ GIFT TO THE VILLAGE OF ARTANISH
Lragir.am
10:32:57 – 28/02/2009
VivaCell-MTS, a subsidiary of Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (NYSE: MBT),
announces the completion of construction works of a gas pipeline in the
village of Artanish. This AMD 14.2 mln of social investment is the key
to improving living conditions and also to unveiling the potential in
developing Artanish as a tourism destination.
VivaCell-MTS’ social responsibility act marked a new beginning for the
village which has population of 830 and had no access to natural gas
supply. The inhabitants expressed their delight to be given the
opportunity of having much affordable fuel, which will boost private
entrepreneurship, mostly tourism, as the village has resources and
conditions for tourism and resort development. Artanish peninsula is
dominated by unique flora and fauna, and the shore of the lake is very
comfortable for weekend getaways and summer vacations.
`Social investments especially in those habitations of Armenia, which
have unrealized potential for the development of entrepreneurship are
very important, as it is the backbone of economic development.
Hopefully, this will to some extent stop the high rate of immigration
from the region.’, – noted VivaCell-MTS General Manager after burning
the torch of the gas pipeline.
As an addition to the projects announced last year, more projects were
realized in Gegharkunik region: 377.5 m gas pipeline in the village of
Lanjaghbyur (AMD 3 mln); 674 meters-long gas pipeline installed in the
village of Vardadzor (AMD 5.5 mln); 820 meters long drinking water
infrastructure reconstruction in the village of Verin Getashen (AMD 15
mln); 1010 meters-long drinking water infrastructure reconstruction in
the village of Vaghashem (AMD 7 mln), totaling to AMD 30.5 mln.
Overall, during 2008, in the framework of CSR projects, VivaCell-MTS’
social investment in Gegarkunik region amounted to over AMD 170
million.