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The largest settlement of Armenia's Tavush region, Koghb, has new outdoor street lighting system. Since 2019, three infrastructure development programs have been implemented in the village, located only 4.5 km from the state border. Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) initially solved the heating problem in Koghb Kindergarten, and from 2020 to date, have implemented two projects to introduce an energy-efficient lighting system, Viva-MTS said in a press release on Monday.

Despite the challenges of recent years, the long-term partners have been consistent in carrying out the planned work. During 2020, 1850 meters of road was illuminated in Koghb, 50 LED lamps were installed. And next year, the number of LED lights increased by 37, illuminating 1,500 meters of road. Thus, as a result of two projects, at the end of 2021, thanks to the efforts of Viva-MTS and FPWC, 87 LED lamps were installed in the village, and a 3400-meter-long road was illuminated.

Koghb residents have been enjoying the results of the two-year program for three months now. Illuminated streets are considered important not only in terms of the need for infrastructure development, but also in terms of the safety of people living on the border.

Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian, Noyemberyan community head Arsen Aghababyan, project coordinator Martin Maralchyan and the community residents participated in the system launching ceremony.

“Our real home is beyond the walls of our own homes. If we want to live in a proper environment we have to show an equal care and make adequate efforts for our common home, our country. Let those be small projects, but they should be mindfully crafted, consistently implemented and by all means fulfilled with a vision of accomplishment. The primary beneficiary of this program is the younger generation. Walking down illuminated streets and growing up in a bettered environment have to be part of life, not a dream. I want to believe, too, this type of programs are capable of conveying to young people the ideas of diligence, care for one’s country, ability to appreciate and to cherish what you have,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.

Running an energy-efficient, modern system is cost-effective in terms of environmental sustainability and community savings. The project is also one of the important steps towards creation of the Eco-village Network. This allows these villages to be involved in a process based on four components of sustainability: environmental, economic, cultural and social. As a result of the program, the budget expenses of the community will be significantly reduced, and the savings will be directed to the solution of other problems in the community.