Chairman of the Water Committee Aramazd Ghalamkaryan, alongside senior management, met with representatives from the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) to finalize the preparatory roadmap for the official launch of the WISE programme.

The discussions focused on the critical legal and administrative milestones required for the program's commencement, including the submission of Loan Agreements to the Constitutional Court and the National Assembly for ratification, followed by the signing by the RA President. Furthermore, the parties addressed the formation of the Project Steering Council, the recruitment of the implementation team, and the finalization of essential financial and operational documents.

Recognizing the complex and interconnected challenges facing Armenia’s water sector—notably the deterioration of irrigation infrastructure, limited access to safe water in rural areas, and escalating climate-related risks—the WISE programme is designed to catalyze sector-wide reforms. It will support the development of a comprehensive National Water Strategy and the strengthening of institutional capacities across the board.

In addition to policy support, the program will drive substantial investments in the modernization of water supply and sanitation systems, with a focus on rural settlements. Significant resources will also be directed toward upgrading irrigation infrastructure and management systems. A key priority of the intervention remains wastewater treatment and the enhancement of community engagement throughout the project cycle.

The WISE programme envisages co-financing by the French Development Agency and the Government of the Republic of Armenia.