Sevan Sanitation and Environmental Reform Program

City: Gavar

CDIA SupportUS$ 700,000

Expected Downstream FinancingAsian Development Bank (tbc)

Infrastructure sectorsWastewater Management

CDIA priority impact areasClimate Change Mitigation and Adaptation; Environmental Improvement

Key Development Issues

Protecting Lake Sevan, Armenia’s largest freshwater body, and improving its water quality and quantity are central to the government’s national program. Ongoing reforms have focused on water supply, irrigation, and wastewater management to be able to deliver reliable, safe, affordable, and sustainable services.

Despite serving approximately 28,000 residents, the existing centralized wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Gavar, Martuni, and Vardenis only provide mechanical treatment, releasing high levels of phosphorus and organic pollutants into the lake.

Given Lake Sevan’s ecological sensitivity and eutrophication risk, investing in modern biological wastewater treatment technologies, specifically Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) systems, has become imperative.

Details of Cooperation

In support of ongoing efforts to protect Lake Sevan, ADB has implemented TA 10148-ARM: Strengthening Environmental Resilience and Fostering Sustainable Economy for Lake Sevan. This technical assistance aims to enhance institutional capacity for environmentally sustainable infrastructure and climate-resilient planning.

A core component of the TA is the feasibility assessment of technical, economic, and social solutions for upgrading and expanding WWTPs and sewerage networks. In line with this, ADB has completed a basin-wide pre-feasibility assessment and is currently developing the preliminary design for the expansion of the sewerage network in the Sevan Basin with the objective of reducing nutrient inflows. Interim findings indicate that addressing the entire basin simultaneously requires investment volumes exceeding those outlined in the country’s medium-term expenditure framework. Following discussions with ADB, the Government of Armenia—through the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI) and the Municipality of Gavar (Gegharkunik Province, Sevan Basin)—formally requested support from CDIA to carry out additional feasibility assessments for the project, in conjunction with TA 10148-ARM and other relevant initiatives.

Approved on 17 March 2025, CDIA’s support includes 1) the conduct of a full feasibility study of wastewater management needs and pollution reduction options; 2) developing a phased investment plan; 3) identifying first-phase investment and associated reforms; 4) preparing engineering designs and conducting due diligence to inform potential ADB financing; and 5) designing strategies for stakeholder engagement and public and institutional support.

Expected Development Outcomes

The program aims to restore Lake Sevan’s ecological balance by upgrading wastewater treatment infrastructure and expanding the sewerage network. It also seeks to improve sanitation services, laying the groundwork for sustainable environmental and social development.