Baku: “Unfortunately, the drinking water problems of Baku and the Absheron Peninsula have been serious for many years,” President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev stated at a meeting dedicated to the State Program for the improvement of water supply, wastewater, and stormwater systems in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula for 2026-2035, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev emphasized that some efforts have been made to address the issue; however, he believes it is time to adopt a large-scale and comprehensive state program. This program will encompass the city of Baku, its settlements, the city of Sumgayit, and the Absheron district. Initiated on his instructions, the preparation process for this program has been underway for some time and is now nearing completion. The meeting aimed to discuss the program, review the work accomplished thus far, and identify further necessary actions.
The primary objective of this program is to ensure the provision of sustainable drinking water to Baku and the Absheron Peninsula. The program is set to be implemented by 2035, reflecting its extensive scope, as sufficient time is required for full execution. Financial sources for its implementation have been identified, with financing to be provided from both the state budget and foreign loans. President Aliyev noted that recent reforms in this sector have significantly reduced Azerbaijan’s foreign debt. Currently, Azerbaijan ranks as one of the world’s leading countries regarding the ratio of foreign debt to GDP, which stands at just over 6 percent. This favorable position enables Azerbaijan to seek additional foreign loans, with leading international financial institutions approaching the country proactively.