YEREVAN.- The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund has begun rebuilding the potable-water system of Karmir Shuka, a village in the Martuni Region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The program is implemented with co-financing from its Eastern U.S. affiliate (Armenia Fund USA) and the government of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Dating back to the 1930s, the existing network has long fallen into disrepair, leaving residents with no other option but to carry water from local springs for their daily needs, Mayor Samvel Hakobjanyan explained.

 “As the lack of access to water remains a critically urgent issue in both Armenia and Karabakh, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund continues to dedicate a considerable portion of its resources to water-infrastructure projects in rural communities,” says Ara Vardanyan, the fund’s executive director.

Slated for completion in early 2012, the project will result in the provision of regular supply of running water to Karmir Shuka’s 270 families (1,050 residents).