New energy-efficient modern technologies introduced in Kartchaghbyur

The Kartchaghbyur community in Gegharkunik region is situated in the highlands. The administrative territory of the community is bordering with Karvatchar. For years the streets of the community have been illuminated by the community means. But due to the budgetary restrictions it was impossible to illuminate the school adjacent streets and the two outskirts of the community.

To resolve the issue, Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) came to support the community. The partnering organizations started implementation of the project a year ago within the “EcoVillage Network” programme. 35 LED lights were installed in the community illuminating around 1300 m of streets: the streets adjacent to the schools and three second-lined streets.

The construction works were done despite all the challenges pandemic and the war brought. The new energy-efficient system was launched as soon as it was introduced. And the partners who postponed the official launch had the opportunity to assess the satisfaction of the residents of Kartchaghbyur and the effectiveness of the program.

Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, the General Engineer of the FPWC Martin Maralchyan, the community head of Kartchaghbyur Taron Kocharyan and many locals from the community took part in the official launch of the newly built energy-saving system.

“This program is an opportunity to solve more than one problem in one go. It helps develop infrastructures in villages, decrease the gap in development between the capital and the rural communities to some degree, and change the attitudes to the nature: conservation gets predominating over unending consumerist approach. And all that is reached through introducing green technologies. This is a program with a long-lasting effect,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.

Unlike electrical bulb lights, LED lights are more efficient and durable, last much longer, using up to 80% less power. Due to the introduction of an environmental and energy-saving outdoor lighting system, the financial burden in rural communities is significantly reduced. The saved community funds are directed to programs aimed at revitalizing rural life.

LED lights will illuminate the village streets from 21:00 to 00:00 in summer and from 18:00 to 23:30 in winter. During the holidays, lighting will be provided throughout the night.

Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) are actively pursuing the infrastructure development program in different communities. The works are in progress.