Armenia’s Public Chamber observes major flaws in construction, procurement sectors

The president of Armenia’s Public Chamber said Thursday that their recent inspections have revealed serious shortcomings in the development and procurement sectors.

In his speech at the National Assembly, Ishkhan Zakaryan told the parliament members that serious flaws have been particularly observed in the road construction sector.

He pointed out to the poor quality asphalt concrete used in the construction process.

As for the violations in the procurement procedures, Zakaryan was concerned to note that the consumer prices for all products had turned out to top the real market prices.

Speaking further, President of the National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan said he is surprised about the findings. “We are surprised that we are dealing with plunderers. We have to file cases with the Prosecutor’s Office,” he said, noting that the trend bears a repeated character.

Zakaryan answered that they had a long discussion with the government over the issue. “Don’t you think our public will gain an impression that we are accomplices too, given that we do not levy a fine after revealing [the violations]? Those officials have to be relived of post; no one is irreplaceable. The prime minister has to take serious steps in this direction. I find that this has to have serious consequences,” he said, stressing once again the importance of sacking officials engaged in corrupt practices.

NA Vice Speaker Edward Sharmazanov added for his part that the legislative is capable of differentiating shortcomings and flaws from malfeasance. “If one has neglected duties, that’s a different matter, but if he has wasted [resources], he has to be where he is supposed to,” he said, highlighting the need of getting rid of corrupt officials.

The Control Chamber president said there are serious risks everybody knows and speaks of. “Punishability is not the issue we are supposed to tackle; we are not vested with a punitive function. In the [United Arab] Emirates, for example, there is such a thing; our laws say nothing about that,” he said.

Responding to his remark, Sharmazanov warned the Controls Chamber president against making threats. “There is no need to draw the sword of Damocles against us; but we must distinguish things in between. It is necessary to discipline corrupt officials, if there are any at all. Those people have to go home as soon as possible; otherwise we will send them to a different place,” he said.