Homeless people are still the main issue of concern in Gyumri. After the 1988 earthquake, the shacks that were built for a two-year period have collapsed in the course of 21 years and many of them are no longer in good condition. Meanwhile, the corresponding bodies pledge to eradicate this phenomenon year after year.
Let us remind that years ago, before the disaster in 1988, the corresponding bodies had assured that there would be no homeless people in 2000-2005. The concept remains, as well as 4,000 families living in shacks. But over the years, the attitude toward the issue has changed.
Citizen of Gyumri Shirak Torosyan, 72, has been living in a temporary hostel with his family for the past 21 years. The shack that was built for two years is on the verge of collapsing. The old man painted the deteriorated walls, but he is not sure how long they can continue to live in that shack. Torosyan doesn't know when the family will receive a home, but his wife, Anahit Madoyan, has asked around for the solution to the problem.
The "Glendale Hills" organization is currently the only organization involved in building homes in Gyumri. Albert Vahanyan, who lives in a settlement in Gyumri, has hopes to receive a home next year, but he is not too happy with what he has heard or seen.
"They are like cells and they are as big as my shack. I can hear whatever my neighbor talks about in the next house. We lived with hopes for all those years to live a normal life again, but take a look at what the government is giving us," he says.
NA Deputy Sukias Avetisyan says that the government is trying to solve the deficit problem and the man shouldn't have expected to live in a luxurious home.
Meanwhile, the mayor of Gyumri is content with home construction and proudly mentions the homes that have been built.
We got a chance to see what homes are actually being built from one side of the fence due to safety reasons. In any case, the construction is scheduled to end by the end of the year and it is also possible that some buildings will be ready by December 7. In general, the Glendale Hills home construction project is foreseen to grant 1,300 apartments. A loan program will take care of the other issues.
The loan program will permit the construction of nearly 2,000 homes in a territory of 14 hectares and those who would like a home can be included.
As to how many families will be capable of applying for the loan, that will be clear in 2010 after the project confirmation.
"Tsaig" TV
Gyumri
