Our guys defend our borders but no one appreciates them - say Chambarak residents (video)
The town of Chambarak in Armenia’s Gegharkunik province welcomes visitors with ghostly winter silence. Social problems existing in Chambarak have made the townspeople sad and depressed. “I have two sons. Neither of them works. My daughter-in-law does not work either,” says Boris Khechoyan, one of the citizens of the town. The seven-member family lives on the pension of the elderly couple. “Though my sons go abroad and work several months there, the money they bring does not even suffice to cover kindergarten expenses,” says Mr Khechoyan. Driving a car in the town is a terrible ordeal. There is no guarantee that you will arrive at your destination safely. “If you decide to take the risk and drive your car, you will have to spend ten days on repairs.” Despite its status, people in this town are engaged cattle breeding which is the main source of their income. “You pay for everything - haying harvest, buying fuel, etc. we do not earn as much money as to cover all costs,” said Alvard Adamyan. Many work in the nearby military unit but cannot solve their problems with their salaries. “Majority of our guys defending our borders are ill. They continue their military service in that condition but no one appreciates the work they do,” she added. Residents of Chambarak do not remember when officials visited their town last. “Chambarak is neglected, everything is done for the capital – for Yerevan citizens,” Svetlana Hapinyan added.
