Armenian villagers demand drinking water, threaten protests

Tensions mounted in Noyakert, a village in Armenia's Ararat Province, on Thursday as local residents gathered to demand an urgent solution to ongoing drinking water shortages affecting nearly 80% of the community. Locals say the issue has persisted for over two weeks, leaving most households without access to clean water during peak summer heat, Shamshyan.com reported.

Villagers blame Veolia Armenia, the water utility company, accusing it of ignoring repeated complaints while continuing to charge for undelivered services. Residents also expressed frustration at local authorities, particularly the Noyakert mayor and the Ararat enlarged community head, whom they accuse of inaction and indifference.

“The only house with steady water supply is the village head's,” one resident claimed. “We come home from working in the fields, turn on the taps and get nothing but air. And we’re paying for that.”

The villagers have issued a two-day ultimatum to officials, demanding a comprehensive solution. They have warned that if their demands are not met within the deadline, they will launch mass protests in the village.

Residents say they feel abandoned by both local leaders and MPs, accusing them of making empty promises during election campaigns.