GAHA Energy has announced that the construction of a hydroelectric power plant in the village of Ohanavan in the Aragatsotn Marz has been suspended.
In a statement released on March 20, the company announced: “We have taken into consideration the concern several residents of the villages of Karbi and Ohanavan have expressed over the necessary renovation of the fast flowing subsidized waterline and the renewed energy development plan that was to be discussed in future public hearings. Hence, the company has decided to halt all construction immediately in Ohanavan. Our work has fallen under unnecessary and unjustified speculation. We would like to state that the villagers’ interests, ensuring smooth irrigation and the development of those villages where GAHA Energy operates are a priority for us. Time will show that it is not possible to deceive the villager that works on his soil. It is the villager who will be the main benefactor and defender of this energy plan. We believe in its integrity. GAHA Energy is ready to talk with any concerned party.”
Several villages in the Aragatsotn Marz including Karbi and Ohanavan had shut down the Yerevan-Ashtarak highway on March 19. They were protesting against the construction of a hydroelectric power plant on the Aparan water basin, which they fear will harm their crops.
They demanded that the construction be suspended. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Territorial Administration Armen Gevorgyan met with the villagers and promised to give them a final answer by 5:00 PM on March 21. The villagers said that if their requests are not met, they will shut down the highway once again.
