YEREVAN (Armenianow.com)–On December 23, President Serge Sarkisian visited the Lori and Shirak provinces in northern Armenia which suffered major damage during the devastating earthquake of December 7, 1988 to inspect the progress and quality of housing construction that would provide more than 5,000 families, now in makeshift residence, with permanent accommodation.

The president first visited the town of Spitak, the epicenter of the earthquake, and eight villages in Lori province. He examined the newly built apartments and talked to people.

His next stop was in Gyumri (Shirak province), Armenia’s second largest city where many families have been living in temporary shelters for 21 years now. Sarkisian looked discontent after inspecting the first two apartment blocks built in Gyumri as part of a $70 million government program aimed at rehabilitating the vast earthquake zone. After the inspection the president called an unplanned meeting with senior government officials and top executives of the Glendale Hills construction company implementing the program.

“The apartments must be equipped with all basic conveniences and be comfortable to live in,” the president was quoted as saying. “The building company and relevant state agencies must draw conclusions regarding the shortcomings.” He also gave instructions to make sure that all apartments have gas and heating supply and have adequate bathroom facilities.

The officials present at the meeting promised that all works will be completed by May 15, 2010.

According to official data, there are 7,000 families in need of housing as a result of the earthquake. The government has pledged to provide some 5,300 of them with new and adequate housing by 2013.