Shengavit District Head on Demolition of Residential Shacks

In the Aerația neighborhood of the Shengavit administrative district, preparations are underway to demolish shacks, a move opposed by residents. On August 28, officials from the district administration unexpectedly informed shack dwellers that their homes would be torn down and that they needed to vacate the area, despite many having lived there for over 30 years. The shacks are not privatized; according to the residents, they were gifted by benefactors, and they have improved an area that was once a landfill.

Residents indicated that they had approached the Shengavit head the same day, but he informed them that the decision was made from above and there was nothing he could do.

They claimed that if they had been properly informed—at least two months in advance—they would have tried to take action, but with just one day’s notice, they had no chance to grab their minor children, gather their belongings accumulated over 30 years, and find new housing.

Auroranews contacted the head of Shengavit, Romik Mikaytaryan, who stated in an interview: “The mayor agreed to postpone the demolition. We are giving time.” He noted that a meeting will be held tomorrow with residents at the Shengavit municipal office to issue the final warning for the removal of the landfill.

According to the district head, the area has become a business for those who pay 5000 drams to dump garbage there.

During an operation conducted by Yerevan Municipality at Shiraz 49, two individuals were apprehended by the Shengavit police department on suspicion of violating Article 452 of the RA Criminal Code (Interference with the legal service or political activity of an official). One suspect reportedly broke a police vehicle’s window with a stone. Relevant documentation is being prepared for submission to the investigative department.