Residents overjoyed as water flows into their homes

For Immediate Release ~ February 7, 2011

Yerevan, Armenia – Thanks to a major infrastructure project implemented by the Armenia Fund, the residents of Noragyugh, a village in Artsakh’s Askeran Region, now have access to regular drinking-water service. The critically needed initiative, which has already breathed new life into the community, is co-financed by the fund’s French affiliate and Armenian entrepreneurs in Russia.

To date the fund has rebuilt a five-kilometer long pipeline and constructed a distribution network, connecting all Noragyugh households to the grid and providing them with a regular supply of potable water. Currently construction crews are working on the last leg of the project, the rebuilding of three reservoirs as well as a deep-water well. According to the chief engineer, water volume will significantly increase once these improvements are completed.

For many years Noragyugh’s pipeline was in a state of disrepair, with corroded pipes causing extensive water loss. The village received water once every two days, and only for two hours at a time. “We have long waited for the day when water would flow into our homes,” says Mayor Edik Mardyan, reflecting a sentiment shared by all residents.

“Throughout 2011, thousands of our donors will have the opportunity to see how their contributions help turn the slogan “Water Is Life” into reality,” says Ara Vardanyan, executive director of the Armenia Fund. “Noragyugh is the latest example of this vital process.”

“The fact that there can be no life without water is even more pronounced in a village, where water is also a prerequisite for economic development,” says Bedros Terzian, chairman of the fund’s French affiliate.

Established in 1966, Noragyugh is Askeran’s largest community, with a population of 1,510. Farming is the main occupation. The village has a modern school and a medical clinic as well as well-built roads. Today, in light of the fact that the water issue has been resolved, residents believe that their community is poised for considerable economic growth in the years ahead.

Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Since 1991, Armenia Fund has rendered more than $190 million in development aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S. Western Region affiliate of “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund. Tax ID# 95-4485698