How to Solve the Drainage System Problem in Yerevan and Avoid Flooding: The Mayor's Spokesperson Elaborates

Yesterday's rainy weather sparked many discussions on social media. This was stated by Yerevan Mayor's spokesperson Hakob Karapetyan on his Facebook page. He particularly noted, “The issue of the city’s drainage system has been raised yet again. I will talk about the global problem of drainage systems at the end, but first, let me clarify that the operation, maintenance, and servicing of Yerevan's drainage systems have been implemented by ‘Veolia Group’ under contract since 2006. The Yerevan municipality is not a party to the contract; the oversight of its implementation is carried out by the RA Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures’ Water Committee.

Nevertheless, since this is a municipal infrastructure and the uninterrupted function of it directly concerns the city’s residents, the Yerevan municipality performs certain functions. Specifically, municipal service employees regularly make proposals to Veolia based on their studies, and in case of issues, they assist in resolving the consequences. For instance, yesterday, with the help of our municipal staff, the drainage pathways in the area of the presidential residence were cleared of blockages.

At the municipality's suggestion, new drainage systems are also being constructed, and if you have noticed, in several tunnels where water would accumulate for years, yesterday’s rain did not cause any problems. As for the general issue of the drainage system's inefficacy, it should be noted that the intensive and often unregulated construction of the past decades has significantly impacted this situation. For example, the rainwater flows on Proshyan Street, which previously drained into the Hrazdan gorge and mixed with the river's waters, now encounter the embankments of structures built along the gorge and continue their path down Proshyan towards Lusavorich and Arshakuniats Boulevard.

Or, perhaps yesterday’s most remarkable incident - the flooding of garages at 26 Baghramyan Street - could have been avoided if the construction impacts had been thoroughly considered during the development of Forest Street above, and necessary infrastructure had been designed, etc. In any case, I reiterate that although this issue does not fall within the direct powers of the municipality, our specialists are regularly working on drainage system matters.