Issues facing Alaverdi
"Alaverdi is the capital of the natural world in Armenia," says Hovsep, 45.
He was born and raised in the Shirak region, but refused to go back to the region after his first visit to Alaverdi. According to him, each resident of Alaverdi is devoted to the land and water and the greatest pain for him is that Alaverdi not only faces financial, but also ecological issues.
"On the one hand, we have an active copper-melting factory and on the other hand, the mining industry in Teghut destroys the image of Alaverdi and endangers life in Alaverdi," says Hovsep.
Most of the residents of Alaverdi are also mainly concerned about environmental issues.
"At first sight, it seems as though Alaverdi is a heavenly place for the newcomer, but after living here for a while, people begin to worry about the smoke coming out of the factory and the poisonous gases," said Garegin, 57.
True, many citizens of Alaverdi are also concerned about environmental issues, but they say that it is a good thing that there are job opportunities and that there is a decrease in the number of people leaving Armenia for work abroad.
Despite the many issues, citizens of Alaverdi say that life is rather cheap here. Many issues are solved through the railway, which helps the locals export their cargo to other regions in Armenia and Georgia, as well as import the necessary products. They face difficulties in the spring when the Debed River outflows and destroys the dams, flooding homes and the newly cultivated lands.
"This has turned into our main issue of concern. They always promise to come and build strong dams and we always face the same issue," said Mrs. Gohar, 40.
According to citizens of Alaverdi, housing and tourism are also rather suitable. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in Alaverdi costs nearly 5,000 dollars. Hotel prices are also suitable and cost 2,500 drams a day.
Besides its beautiful nature, citizens of Alaverdi also praise their historical-cultural monuments, churches, as well as the wooden, metal and rock-built bridges. The city has many university branches with students who wish to stay in the city. Residents of the city also make sure to keep the city clean and there are signs reading "Throwing trash here is prohibited" around the city.
