Expanding the geographical scope of the joint Alternative Energy Project, the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) and VivaCell-MTS implemented yet another innovative project in Nzhdeh community of Syunik province.
A street lighting system with 43 LED lights has been installed in the villages of Nzhdeh and Tsghuni, which had had no outdoor lighting for many years. Now an area of about 1420 meters – almost 80% of the community streets – has been provided with lighting.
VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, FPWC Founder Ruben Khachatryan, head of Nzhdeh community Gegham Ohanyan and community residents attended the launching event.
Bordering Nakhichevan, the village of Nzhdeh has a population of 185. In 1989-1992, Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan settled here. Community development projects cannot be implemented through community budget alone: long-term investments are needed for the efficient solution of the existing problems.
“We’re implementing the Alternative Energy project in five regions of Armenia,” Yirikian said. “The beneficiaries of the project are our compatriots living in border villages where our support is needed more than anywhere else. The project with a budget of AMD 207 million gives an opportunity to fully solve the problems in a number of communities. Yet we have chosen an alternative, environmentally friendly solution. With this project we want to stir hope, trust and optimism in our compatriots, also contributing to the prosperity of the community by helping save budgetary means. Thus, we meet the main objectives of the project: environmental protection, social support and community development.”
The environmentally friendly and energy-efficient LED lights will reduce energy costs by up to 80%. Outdoor lighting will be provided from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am in summer, from 6:30 pm to 12:00 am in winter, and all night long on holidays. LED bulbs are efficient and durable, lasting much longer than the regular ones.
The FPWC and VivaCell-MTS welcome the use of latest technologies in environment protection initiatives, promoting nature conservation, energy efficiency and community development.
