YEREVAN (US Embassy)—US Ambassador to Armenia, Marie L.Yovanovitch and Deputy Prime Minister Armen Gevorgian celebrated the opening of a newly constructed artesian well in the Sis community of the Ararat Region. The new well will supply both irrigation and drinking water to 50 families.
In her remarks Yovanovitch said, “On March 22, different nations throughout the world celebrate World Water Day to acknowledge that water security is human security, and that people must have the water when they need it and where they need it. I am especially thrilled to be able to join you at the opening of the newly constructed artesian well that will supply both irrigation and drinking water to 50 families in your community, part of USD 180 million MCA-Armenia program.”
The MCA-Armenia Program, funded by the US Government through the Millennium Challenge Corporation, is a five year program that aims to help reduce rural poverty through a sustainable increase in the economic performance of Armenia’s agricultural sector. When completed on September 29, the MCA-Armenia Program expects to benefit more than 420,000 rural residents in 350 communities across Armenia by refurbishing major sections of the country’s canal system, modernizing pumping stations, introducing gravity irrigation schemes, re-building tertiary canals and restoring sections of the Ararat Valley Drainage system. MCA-Armenia is also training 45,000 farmers in improved agriculture practices, delivering technical assistance to water supply institutions and providing $8.5 million in credit to farmers and small agribusinesses in support of the program objectives.
