The USAID-funded Small Scale Infrastructure Program (SSIP), implemented by the Cooperative Housing Foundation International (CHF) and its partner Shen NGO, marked on Monday the renovation of the Shahumyan Community Center in the Lori region of Armenia. 

The Community Center occupies part of the ground floor of a five-story residential building, constructed in 1978. The Center suffered damages in the aftermath of the 1988 earthquake and was eventually closed down.  The Center, which had not been in use for over 20 years, required a complete renovation. CHF replaced the doors, windows, and flooring, plastered and painted the walls, and renovated the restrooms.

The total area renovated was 180 square meters. The community center is now operational and will host a library, chess-room, computer-room, recreation room and management office.

The USAID/Armenia Mission Director noted that apart from the Shahumyan community center renovation project, USAID’s efforts in the Lori region also include the renovation of a kindergarten in Haghpat, a gas distribution system in Ayroum, and the implementation of water distribution systems in Lernantsk, Artsni and Lori Berd.

On a country-wide scale, by November 2011 the program expects to have completed 58 infrastructure projects and will have provided more than 47,000 days of employment. In addition, 800 Armenians will have obtained short-term employment, and over 140 persons will have gained permanent employment at facilities rehabilitated by SSIP.