President.am, Armenia
Dec 27 2009

President Serzh Sargsyan conducted a working visit to Lori and Shirak
marzes

Today, President Serzh Sargsyan conducted a working visit to Lori and
Shirak marzes to observe the implementation of the program aimed at
providing housing to the families which lost shelter in the
devastating earthquake of 1988.

The President made his first stop at Spitak town of Lori region. Here
he toured the New Town area and visited housing construction sites.

Afterwards, President Sargsyan visited Shirkamut community, toured the
newly constructed center of the community, conversed with the
residents, and listened to their concerns.

In Shirakamut, President Sargsyan visited also the newly built house
for the Vardevanians large family. This family hosted the President of
Armenia earlier, on July 15, when they were still dwelling in a
temporary housing. At the time, the President promised that next time
he would visit them in their own home. During a relaxed conversation
over tea, the Vardavanians expressed their gratitude to the President
for making their dream of having a new home come true right before New
Year.

The next stop of the President was Mush-2 neighborhood of Gyumri town
in Shirak marz. Serzh Sargsyan walked in the neighborhood, observed
the conditions and interior decorations in the newly erected apartment
buildings. Serzh Sargsyan expressed dissatisfaction with the quality
of the interior works.
Later, the President of Armenia conducted an unscheduled meeting at
the office of administration of Shirak marz. Present at the meeting
were the Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Territorial Administration
Armen Gevorgian, the Minister of Urban Development Vardan Vardanian,
the Chief Architect of Armenia, the Governor of Shirak marz, the Mayor
of Gyumri, and the management of the Glendale Hills development
company.

President Sargsyan said that there were observable deficiencies in the
interior works of the constructed buildings which was inadmissible.
Stressing, that the quality of the interior works should not be
overlooked, Serzh Sargsyan said that all the deficiencies must be
eliminated. He also noted that all the issues related to the heating,
gasification, installation of gas ovens, and tiles also must be
solved. `People should be provided with the minimal conveniences and
the apartments should be comfortable for living. With regard to the
spotted deficiencies both the developing company and relevant state
agencies should draw conclusions,’ underscored the President of
Armenia. He also instructed to solve issues related to the area’s
beautification and infrastructure development.

The leaders of the Ministry of Urban Development and Glendale Hills
company promised that all the works on overhaul would be accomplished
and the apartments would be ready for the residents by mid-May 2010.