The Hayastan All Armenian Fund has begun construction of a major water-supply project in Artsakh’s Hadrut Region. Co-sponsored by the fund’s French affiliate and the government of Nagorno Karabakh, the initiative will provide potable-water service to three villages: Metz Taghlar, Azokh, and Drakhtik. Slated to be completed by the end of 2009, the project includes water-intake and treatment facilities, which will be built on the shore of the Ishkhanaget River, as well as a 22-kilometer water pipeline. In addition, each of the three villages will have a reservoir and an internal distribution network. “Providing these villages with drinking water is tantamount to helping secure their very future,” said Ara Vardanyan, the Hayastan All Armenian Fund’s acting executive director. “Water has always been scarce in our village,” said Vlad Danielyan, the mayor of Taghlar. “Our fountains, which were built over 300 years ago, don’t work well. What’s worse, they almost completely dry up during summer.” Metz Taghlar, Azokh, and Drakhtik - which are home to some 2,750 residents - are located on the highlands of Hadrut, one of Artsakh’s most mountainous regions. Residents of the three villages agree unanimously that the future vibrancy of their communities depends on a permanent solution to the water issue. That solution is now close at hand, thanks to the project launched by the Hayastan All Armenian Fund.