Karakert is in Phase II of Integrated Rural Development Program

Contracts Awarded for the Renovation of the Water Network and Site Development of School and Kindergartens

Karakert, Armenia, November 28, 2005— After the successful completion of Phase I of the Integrated Rural Development Program in the village of Karakert, the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) has just awarded a contract for the renovation of the village water network.  In a transparent procurement process that promotes participation and open competition, COAF has awarded the contract to Arpine Gor, Ltd., a ten-year-old construction company based in Yerevan, Armenia.

“Resolving the water problem is a priority for the sustainability and long-term success of our comprehensive development program in Karakert,” said COAF Chairman Dr. Garo Armen.  Karakert has been deprived of access to running water since the collapse of the Soviet Union.  For over fifteen years, both the public and private sectors have not had the necessary resources to resolve the village’s water supply problems―problems that are basic and critical for the wellbeing and development of every single community in Armenia.

The initiative will enable the local households to have water supplied from an Artesian well.  The water is envisaged mainly for household use and other technical purposes.  The restored network is intended to reach all households throughout the village upon completing the reconstruction and restoration of the 2.2 km pipeline.  The project is fully funded by COAF and is planned for completion by April 2006.

In addition, the partnered Integrated Rural Development Program in Karakert also includes the renovation of 4.5 km irrigation water pipeline in partnership with the World Bank and the Water Users’ Company of Karakert.  A second tranche covering 6.4 km is currently being considered for funding by the World Bank.  These projects are expected to resolve most of Karakert’s water problems and could be completed in 2006.

Aside from these water projects, current development activities in Karakert include site improvements of the Karakert kindergartens and school, funded through the UNDP, USAID, and COAF coalition.  These developments, together with the just-awarded Karakert water network project, will make possible the tree planting and landscaping project planned for the Community Day in April 2006.

CONTACTS: Sunny Uberoi, (212) 994-8206; or e-mail info@coafkids.org