Yerevan is confronting a severe problem with its storm drainage system, according to Kamо Areyan, an advisor to the mayor of Yerevan. During a recent working meeting at City Hall, Areyan reported that an inventory revealed the existing system is operating at only 40% of its potential capacity.
The situation is particularly dire in the courtyards of apartment buildings, where the system is almost non-functional due to numerous unauthorized modifications over the years. Additionally, in 29 locations throughout the city, the water drainage system is completely absent and requires urgent installation.
Despite approximately 28 kilometers of new pipes being laid during road construction projects, this is clearly insufficient to address the problem. Areyan also expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of transferring the system to the company "Veolia Jur," which is supposed to take over its operation.
The urgency of the problem is underscored by recent flooding incidents in the city. Over the past three months, heavy rainfall has caused significant disruptions to transportation and pedestrian movement. Not only streets and underpasses but also basements of buildings, metro stations, and other crucial urban infrastructure have been flooded.
