The Armenian government today allocated AMD 1.173 billion (US$2.5m) to the Ministry of Emergency Situations for the renovation of Rescue Service buildings, the construction of the Martuni and Gavar Rescue Service buildings and ancillary parking.

The ministry reports that building conditions pose serious obstacles to the operation of the service, with most of the units never overhauled after being built in the 1950-60s.

“Currently, these buildings are physically and morally worn out, and some are in dangerous condition Existing building conditions do not provide the necessary level of staff training, ensure minimum living and communal living conditions, fire and rescue equipment attached to units is maintained outdoors due to insufficient parking spaces,” the ministry said in a statement.