Metal containers now a memory as Armenian families get new houses

PanARMENIAN.Net - After 20 years of waiting, two families in Ararat province have celebrated housewarming. The housing project financed by VivaCell-MTS and implemented by Fuller Center for Housing Armenia encompasses ten provinces of the country. The heads and teams of the partnering organizations paid just another regional visit, this time celebrating housewarming in Dvin community of Ararat.

The Asatryans are a family of three: the mother with her two sons. Having lost his father at an early age and having lived in a damp and dark basement most of his childhood, Bagrat, the younger son, couldn't believe that the bright and comfortable house now belongs to them.

“I do not even know how to express my feelings. My elder brother, Senik, who works abroad now, calls every day and asks me to describe what our newly built house looks like. He is looking forward to coming back and seeing the home himself,” said Bagrat.

“In the modern world people shouldn't be forced to wait for twenty years to have a place to live. Having a roof over one’s head is a basic life condition and not a dream. Where there is a feeling of security, there is also a will to develop and to be useful to one’s country. I am glad the successful cooperation has helped yet another family celebrate housewarming,” said VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian.

The second visit was to the Avetisyan family. For more than 20 years the family had been living in a metal container, placed near their half-built house, without elementary household conveniences, such as a kitchen or a bathroom.

“My elder son got married and had to rent an apartment, as we had no place to sleep. Now it is time for my second son to get married, and I am happy we can finally live in decent housing conditions. I am grateful for the gift of a home for my family,” said the Avetisyan family father, Aleksan.

“It seems that at least in the communities around Ararat valley, no families should be living in such conditions; it is hard to build a home or to finish the construction of an unfinished house. The two families have endured harsh living conditions, and each of them has its dramatic story. Today, finally, is the day to be happy. I am glad we have the opportunity to share their happiness,” said Fuller Center for Housing Armenia President Ashot Yeghiazaryan.

For the implementation of the 2016 housing project VivaCell-MTS has allocated AMD 105 million. Instead of the planned 41, the housing problem of 42 families has been solved so far. As a result of the five-year partnership, 135 families have received assistance across the Armenian provinces.