Business owners protest over poor road conditions in Yerevan district

A group of business owners on Friday blocked the intersection connecting Artsakh Street to Arin Berd Street and the Thermal Power Plant in Yerevan's Erebuni district, protesting against the poor road conditions in the area.

The protesters, many of whom operate businesses in the industrial zone, say the crumbling roads are severely disrupting their operations. With nearly 3,000 employees working in the area, the impassable road makes it difficult for cargo trucks to deliver goods.

A similar protest was held two months ago, but authorities failed to take action. The protesters claim the district administration passed responsibility to the Yerevan Municipality, calling it an “intercommunity road”, while city officials yet to respond.

"At this point, we could launch a game called The Keys of Arin Berd," one protester said sarcastically. "Every 100 meters, someone could hand out keys to drivers who manage to pass through. At the end of the week, the winner gets their car repaired at the Municipality’s expense."

Erebuni district head Hakob Balayan met with the protesters, stating that the road is set to undergo major reconstruction following a tender. He attributed delays to soil instability, which prevents a temporary fix, but promised that repairs would be completed this year. Protesters, however, remain skeptical.