Tuesday, 17 March 2015
Ministry of Urban Development Submits 2014 Performance Report
Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, the Government discussed the performance report of the Ministry of Urban Development in line with the Government’s program of activities and priorities for the year 2014.
Urban Development Minister Narek Sargsyan noted that during the past year the procedures set for urban development activities were simplified, thereby reducing the number of steps required for the issuance of building permits, which in turn would help to attract new investment into the construction sector.
The Ministry developed and submitted to the Government a draft law of the Republic of Armenia On the development of the small center of Yerevan and a set of amendment to some laws of the Republic of Armenia. According to the Minister, the law will help resolve the problem of unfinished facilities in the Small Center.
Both processes were continued recognition of the beneficiaries of the program of those left homeless as a result of the earthquake registered in the lists of eligible for better housing and contracting of gift (donation of privatization) of apartments (dwelling houses) built in the housing construction program. In addition, in the past year to address housing problems in the disaster zone of budget was allocated 1.5 billion AMD.
In process are the international organizations-supported activities aimed at improving energy efficiency of buildings and creating dump sites.
In addition, in cooperation with the UN Economic Commission for Europe and the United Nations’ Habitat, a workshop involving international experts was held in the city of Yerevan on October 13-14, 2014, referred to as “Building national capacity in urban planning, housing, energy efficiency and reducing the risks of disasters.” A Ministry-coordinated program entitled “Country Image” and a pilot project called “Smart City” for the city of Goris were launched in the period under review.
The meeting also discussed a number of items concerning the activities of the Ministry of Urban Development in 2015.
Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan noted that the construction sector is the focus of the Government, which will use different instruments to promote the programs proposed in this area.
