Supporting the merging of municipalities

In Armenia, the merging of municipalities is necessary to improve the quality of public services. However, this process is a source of concern for some sections of the population.   

Armenia’s territorial and administrative structure is very fragmented, with half of the country’s 915 municipalities having fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. The size of the municipalities limits their ability to generate sufficient revenues, to provide and maintain public infrastructure and to support local economic and social development. To address these challenges, the Armenian government launched a major administrative and territorial reform to reduce the number of municipalities to 250. This merging process has given rise to fears of a loss of identity among the population, particularly in small communities. Switzerland is supporting the municipalities concerned by introducing an information and electronic data management system which facilitates improved public service provision. Thanks to this new system, 740,000 inhabitants (25% of the population) are enjoying more efficient and better-quality services. The SDC is also supporting the implementation of new government systems and programmes to develop the role of women in local government. With the help of Switzerland and other partners, 140 communities have so far merged to form 18 enlarged municipalities that bring together 165,000 inhabitants and benefit from better service provision. Despite their initial concerns, the populations concerned have reacted positively to the merging of their communities.