SUMMER WITH PLENTY OF WATER
Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
01 June 05
In summer the need for water grows twice, and the problem of
water persists in the capital, therefore, the inhabitants of
Stepanakert are worried. We talked to the director of Water and
Sewage CJSC Vladimir Arzumanian. Srbuhi Vanian: “Mr. Arzumanian,
what expectations will the inhabitants of the capital have from
water supply?” Vladimir Arzumanian: “We promise the inhabitants of
Stepanakert plenty of water this summer. There may be cut-offs for
the reason of maintenance but for short periods. In the recent years
we have not had such high rates. Instead of 80-90 litres per second
we receive 3000 cubic metres of clear water. This is, first of all,
determined by plenty of snow this winter. By the way, the lack of
water is often caused by the inhabitants of the capital themselves.
On the outskirts of the city almost every family grows vegetables
in their gardens, and uses the water from the main pipeline. Taking
into account the social state of these families (these are families
of killed soldiers, poor families, sole pensioners), we do not take
strict measures. As a result, the water is not distributed evenly,
and there are people who remain without water. Besides, an enormous
amount of water is lost because of broken taps. I assure that the
daily amount of water flowing into the city is enough to provide
12-16 hour water supply, if not 24 hour.” S.V.: “However, we have to
acknowledge that often water supply is stopped because the pipelines
are out of order.” V.A.: “Damaged pipelines are increasing day by
day. At present, 4 brigades are repairing the pipelines. However,
the pipes are very old and are often damaged. Our first problem is
prevention of breakdowns in the system and repairs of damaged pipes,
which costs 12 million drams.” S.V.: “Maybe it would be better to
replace the damaged pipes with new ones than repair them?” V.A.:
“Maybe yes, but replacing the old pipes requires great expenses. We
are not subsidized by the government and we cannot get such large sums
at a time. This year we will replace 420 metres of pipes in one of the
quarters of the capital, which will cost 2 million drams. Generally,
projects of this scope are implemented by the government.” S.V.:
“Through the winter the quarter did not have drinking water and the
inhabitants had to bring water with buckets from the springs situated
rather far from them. What is the reason, and will this repeat
next year?” V.A.: “The cause of the problem of water supply of the
quarter is that 90 per cent of the pipeline is built above ground,
and weather and other factors immediately impact the pipes. That is
to say, they are less protected. This winter, for instance, we made
great efforts to warm the frozen pipelines but failed. Water supply
was resumed only in March. The problem is grave, for besides the
costs, it is impossible to take machines to those rocks.” S.V.: “You
touched upon 24 hour water supply. The question has been discussed
by the government for a number of times. What steps are taken in
this direction?” V.A.: “This is a separate issue that the government
attends to. As far as I know, next year the programme of 24 hour
water supply will be instituted in one of the large quarters of the
city including Hekimian, Mashtots and Isakov streets.” S.V.: “What
problems is the company facing at present?” V.A.: “Our aim is to supply
people with clear water. There are, of course, a number of problems,
the solution of which depends on our efficiency. We have raised the
question of acquiring sand catcher but have got no answers. This
year we have to try to repair our old sand catcher, operating since
1936. We do not know how and how long it will operate. People should
help to solve our problems by not wasting water, paying for the water
they use and not spoiling the springs and fountains in the city,
which we have to repair several times a month.” S.V.: “Does Water
and Sewage CJSC manage to collect the fees for water in time?” V.A.:
“As compared to the previous years, the rates are reassuring. I think
the problem will be solved only after using hydrometres. Only then
will the inhabitants economize water and pay the fees in time.”
SRBUHI VANIAN. 01-06-2005