On January 12, a meeting dedicated to the State Program for 2026-2035 on the improvement of water supply, wastewater, and rainwater systems in Baku city and Absheron Peninsula was held, chaired by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
Modern.az reports that the head of our state delivered a speech at the meeting.
President Ilham Aliyev's
Speech
Today we will discuss the issues related to solving the water problems of Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula. This is an issue that holds a special place among the infrastructure projects being implemented. As you know, large-scale infrastructure projects have been implemented in our country in recent years, both in Baku and in all regions. It can be said that the main infrastructure issues have found their solution. Over twenty years, several regional development programs have been adopted. Each program covered five years, and the programs were successfully implemented. As a result, we solved the main infrastructure issues. Firstly, electricity supply has covered the entire country. We have entered a completely new stage. I touched upon this issue recently at the opening of a new wind power plant; today, our energy generation capacity exceeds our demand. We even export electricity. There was a time when serious problems existed regarding this issue; there was an energy shortage. We were even forced to import electricity from abroad. Today, as a result of the measures taken, both generation capacities have been created – currently close to 10,000 megawatts – and at the same time, substations, transmission lines, and the distribution network – all these issues have been integrated into a single system. A large part of the deficiencies in this area has been eliminated. Today, we are not only thinking about our own energy demand – this issue is considered resolved – but also about export routes, and we are not just thinking, we are creating them. Azerbaijan, in a few years, will export electricity to world markets at the same level as it exports oil and gas today, ensuring the energy security of many countries. I must note that serious negotiations are currently underway with neighboring states and our companies, as well as companies from neighboring countries, to achieve this.
We have largely resolved the issues of gasification. Today, gasification in our country has reached 96 percent. By saying this, I mean the population, not settlements. 96 percent of the population is currently supplied with natural gas. This is also an issue that holds a special place among the infrastructure projects carried out over the last 20 years. Because at one time, our gas supply did not allow us to meet domestic demand. We also imported gas from abroad and faced great difficulties. Today, more than 10 countries worldwide – the number of these countries is increasing year by year, and new countries will be added to this list this year – are purchasing Azerbaijani natural gas and strengthening their energy security.
The construction of automobile roads has gained widespread momentum. Today, both main roads, rural roads, and intercity roads – these projects are being implemented. Currently, all these infrastructure projects I mentioned are being implemented in the liberated territories. Electricity, generation capacities, transmission lines, roads, bridges, tunnels, water supply, gasification, and overall, the territories that remained under occupation for many years are being revived, returning to life, and connecting to a unified infrastructure network.
Drinking water and irrigation projects have always been in the spotlight. Citizens of Azerbaijan well remember that this was once one of the most serious issues concerning people. These issues have also gradually found their solution. Today, drinking water and sewage projects have been implemented in most of our cities, and this process is being continued.
Over the past 20 years, we have built four large reservoirs, and the potential of these reservoirs exceeds 500 million cubic meters. Among them, I must specifically mention the “Taxtakörpü” and “Shamkirchay” reservoirs. If these reservoirs had not been built, today both Baku's water supply and the water supply of the western zone could have faced significant problems. The “Taxtakörpü” reservoir allowed us to collect the waters of the Samur River in the “Jeyranbatan” reservoir and create a reserve there. Furthermore, the “Jeyranbatan” reservoir has been completely reconstructed, and a new, modern complex of treatment facilities has been built.
Today, we are implementing drinking water and irrigation projects in the liberated territories. Over the past five years, several important projects have been completed. Reservoirs that were once destroyed and rendered unusable by Armenia have been thoroughly repaired. Among them, I must first mention the “Sarsang” reservoir. This is one of the largest reservoirs not only in the liberated territories but also in our entire country. When our lands were under occupation, the Armenian state also carried out water terror against us. The closure of the waters of the “Sarsang” and “Sugovushan” reservoirs and the use of water as a weapon created significant problems for us. Water was cut off in the months it was needed, then released, causing major floods. In essence, the Armenian state was carrying out water terror. Today, the “Sugovushan” reservoir and the “Sarsang” reservoir have been completely reconstructed. In other liberated territories – three reservoirs, including “Kondalanchay” in Fuzuli district, have been reconstructed, and the “Khachinchay” reservoir in Aghdam district has been reconstructed. The completely reconstructed “Zabukhchay” reservoir in Lachin district is already in operation today. The construction of two more large reservoirs – “Hakariçay” and “Bargushadchay” – is also planned in the liberated territories, and preparatory work is already underway. We will probably start practical work this year.
Water sources are very important for every country. Approximately one-quarter of our water sources are formed in territories that were once under occupation. The advantage of these water sources is that most of them are formed within the territory of Azerbaijan. This means that dependence on other countries has significantly decreased as a result of the return of our territories. Our other main water sources are formed abroad – the Kura River, the Aras River, the Samur River. Of course, attention to this area must also take this sensitive issue into account.
Today, serious concern prevails worldwide regarding climate change. Many countries are already suffering significant damage from it. All issues related to our water security are finding their solution systematically. As I mentioned, the projects I have only listed – although much more work has been done – show that if these steps had not been taken in time, issues related to our water security could have created very serious problems for us today. Our goal is to provide the population, industry, and agriculture with sustainable water, to protect water sources, to increase the potential of reservoirs, to establish full accounting, and to collect water when the season comes so that we can use it throughout the year.
Unfortunately, the drinking water problems of Baku and the Absheron Peninsula have stood before us as a serious issue for many years. As I mentioned, certain work has been done in this direction. However, I believe the time has come for a large-scale and detailed state program to be adopted. This program will cover Baku city, its settlements, Sumgayit city, and Absheron district. Some time ago, at my instruction, the process of preparing the program began, and it is almost ready. Today, we will discuss this program, as well as talk about the work done and conduct discussions regarding future work.
The main goal of this program, as I mentioned, is to provide Baku and the Absheron Peninsula with sustainable drinking water. The program must be implemented by 2035. This fact itself shows how large-scale the program is, as it requires time for us to fully implement it. Financial sources for the program's implementation have been identified. It will be financed from two sources: both from the state budget and from foreign loans. I can say that the reforms carried out here in recent years have allowed us to significantly reduce our foreign debt, and we have done so. Today, in terms of foreign debt to gross domestic product ratio, Azerbaijan holds a leading position globally, constituting just over 6 percent. This gives us reason to say that today we can apply for more foreign loans, especially considering that leading financial institutions worldwide are approaching us.
We could have implemented this program using domestic funds. However, there are many issues facing the country. Both the restoration of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, the increase of our country's military power, and other projects, social projects. Therefore, as I mentioned, we will use two sources. As a result of the program's implementation, new reservoirs must be built. Their number will be close to 30. These are also very large, large-scale infrastructure projects. Metering must be brought to 100 percent. Today, the population supplied with uninterrupted drinking water constitutes 70 percent. As a result of the program's implementation, this will reach 95 percent. The water supply of Baku, Sumgayit, Absheron district, and 64 settlements will significantly improve. More than 200 kilometers of main canals and an equal length of distribution network will be built and reconstructed.
Today, one of the problems is also related to losses. If losses were at a low level, even the existing water resources would be sufficient for us today. However, we must look ahead and calculate for the future. Because the population is growing, industry is growing, and naturally, demand is also increasing. Therefore, a sharp reduction in losses is one of the main issues. Today, losses in this area are approximately 40-45 percent, and as I mentioned, this must sharply decrease as a result of the program's implementation.
Today, the population served by sewage systems constitutes only 50 percent. As a result of the program's implementation, this must be brought to 95 percent. As soon as heavy rains fall, urban transport becomes paralyzed, and very serious problems arise. It is true that this is not only in Baku, Azerbaijan. We see this in television broadcasts anywhere in the world. Even in the cities of the most developed countries, floods have become commonplace. No city's infrastructure allows for managing severe torrential rains if they continue for several days. However, despite this, we also have quite a few weaknesses in this area. Therefore, a new collector network will also be built in 30 streets of Baku for rainwater management, and this will be of great benefit.
Waters discharged into the sea must be 100 percent treated. This is also one of the main factors contributing to the pollution of the Caspian Sea. Therefore, necessary additional measures will be taken here. The modernization and expansion of the potential of the Hovsan wastewater treatment plant is also on the agenda.
A digital management system must also be implemented in the water sector. I have already provided information on this. I want to reiterate that for the first time in our country, a desalination plant will be built to improve the water supply of the Absheron Peninsula. This process has been initiated. Its advantage is that this project will be implemented purely through foreign investments. This will allow us to increase the volume of water supplied to Baku and the Absheron Peninsula. Technological development in this area is also evident. The water of our Caspian Sea is not very salty, meaning there is full confidence that as a result of desalination, the population will be provided with clean and high-quality drinking water, and at the same time, a large source for irrigation will be created.
Samur-Absheron water canal. We once reconstructed this canal. This is a fully concrete canal, and losses there are quite low. However, measures are still planned for the development of this canal's infrastructure to ensure a sustainable water supply to the “Jeyranbatan” reservoir. Today, water enters Baku from five sources. The sixth source will be the desalination plant, and of course, this flow must be fully ensured.
I should also mention that one of the projects we have implemented over the past 20 years is the completely reconstructed Oghuz-Gabala-Baku water pipeline. If this water pipeline had not been built, today Baku would have experienced a very serious water shortage.
As I mentioned, the program is very extensive and very specific. All tasks are set out there, and control will be ensured by both the Government and the Presidential Administration. Public oversight must, of course, also be in place. The implementation of this program should be widely covered in the media so that citizens of Azerbaijan, especially those living in Baku and Absheron, can see and know when each issue is resolved, and there should be no delays. Because, I repeat, the program is planned until 2035. We believed that it was possible to do this even sooner. However, to avoid rushing and to organize all work with quality, we decided that it is approximately a 10-year program, meaning there is enough time, but there should not be a single day of delay.
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President Ilham Aliyev: Now, the floor is given to Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev for a speech.
Shahin Mustafayev: Dear Mr. President, considering its socio-economic importance, ensuring the country's water security has always been at the center of your attention; under your leadership, extensive work has been carried out in previous years, precautionary measures have been taken, the “Taxtakörpü”, “Shamkirchay”, “Tovuzchay”, “Goytapa” reservoirs, the “Heydar Aliyev” and “Vaykhir” reservoirs in Nakhchivan, the Oghuz-Gabala-Baku water pipeline were built, the Samur-Absheron water pipeline was reconstructed, and as you noted, most cities and district centers have been provided with drinking water and sewage services. In addition, considering the observed acute water shortage, a relevant commission was established by your Order dated April 15, 2020, with the aim of ensuring efficient use of water resources in the country, improving water management, and coordinating activities in this area. At the same time, a plan of measures to ensure the efficient use of water resources was approved by you, in accordance with which large-scale work is being carried out across the country.
Also, by your Order dated October 10, 2024, the National Strategy on Efficient Use of Water Resources for 2024-2040 was approved. The main goals of the National Strategy are the re-evaluation and integrated management of water resources, efficient use of water resources, improvement of the population's access to sustainable and high-quality drinking water and sanitation services, improvement of irrigation water supply to cultivated areas, and ensuring water security. With the aim of improving management in the fields of water resources, water management, and melioration, the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan was established as a unified entity by your Decree dated March 30, 2023.
Dear Mr. President, global climate change and rising average temperatures, a significant decrease in precipitation and river flow, and on the other hand, an increase in water demand due to the expansion of irrigation and drinking water supply networks, in turn, lead to water scarcity. Approximately 75 percent of the country's surface water resources are formed by inflows from neighboring countries, and global climate change also affects the volume of these water flows.
Dear Mr. President, starting from 2020, the annual water balance of the country is approved by the Cabinet of Ministers each year. The water balance reflects the actual indicators for the previous three years, the expected indicators for the reporting year, and the forecast indicators for the next year, which allows for a general assessment of the formation and use of the country's water resources. Thanks to the measures taken towards optimal use of water resources through planned, coordinated, and prioritized approaches for drinking water supply, irrigation, energy, and other purposes, the volume of water resources in the main reservoirs as of January 1 of the current year amounted to 16.4 billion cubic meters, which is 6.2 billion cubic meters or 60 percent more compared to the corresponding period in 2020.
At the same time, in the Mingachevir reservoir, the country's largest reservoir, nearly 13 billion cubic meters of water resources have been accumulated, compared to 8 billion cubic meters in 2020. Thus, the Mingachevir reservoir has been returned to a multi-year regulation regime since 2024.
Within the framework of the Commission's activities, recommended operating regimes for the main reservoirs are approved, water use is kept under daily control, and the measures taken have created conditions for further improving the population's supply of drinking and irrigation water, and for a significant increase in the efficiency indicators of hydroelectric power plants. Work continues on the installation of modern technology-based measuring devices for assessing water resources in the country's main water and water management facilities, metering in the field of drinking water supply, and the implementation of automated management systems in sub-artesian wells. Work is underway on the integration of the technical parameters of measuring devices into the electronic water management information system. Daily bulletins are prepared based on operational data received from points where modern measuring devices are installed and submitted to relevant agencies.
In accordance with your instruction, with the involvement of a consulting company, the technical safety assessment for the nationally significant “Shamkir”, “Yenikand”, “Mingachevir”, and “Varvara” cascade reservoirs has been completed, and the implementation of the relevant action plan approved by the commission has begun. According to the Order of the Cabinet of Ministers dated May 1, 2025, these reservoirs have also been transferred to the balance of the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan.
Dear Mr. President, in accordance with your relevant orders, the construction of the “Yengija” reservoir with a volume of 17.5 million cubic meters in Gabala district and the “Alichanchay” reservoir with a volume of 108 million cubic meters in Oghuz and Shaki districts is being carried out and is planned to be completed in 2027. The “Yengija” reservoir will serve 10,000 hectares of cultivated land in Gabala district. The “Alichanchay” reservoir, in addition to serving nearly 30,000 hectares of cultivated land in Shaki and Gakh districts, will provide drinking water to approximately 49,000 residents in 28 settlements across Shaki and Oghuz districts. The reconstruction work of the “Shirvan” canal is continuing in accordance with your relevant Order and is planned to be completed in 2027. After reconstruction, it will provide irrigation water to 228,000 hectares of cultivated land across 10 districts and domestic water to settlements. At the same time, design and estimate documents are being prepared for the reconstruction of the “Karabakh” canal, which provides irrigation water to up to 115,000 hectares of cultivated land and domestic water to settlements in 9 districts.
In addition to the above, 7 irrigation canals have been reconstructed, and the reconstruction of 3 irrigation canals is ongoing, serving a total of 132.3 thousand hectares of cultivated land. In recent years, during periods of low water, the increase in salinity concentration in the water due to the influence of the Caspian Sea in the 60-kilometer estuary section of the Kura River created serious difficulties in meeting the water demand of the population settled in the Neftchala and Salyan districts located in the lower reaches of the Kura River. As a result of the measures taken, the normal operation of water intake facilities and the optimal satisfaction of water demand without the need for releasing excess water from the “Mingachevir” reservoir have been ensured. With the company that won the tender announced for the implementation of your Order dated April 12, 2023, on “Measures for the Implementation of a Pilot Project in the Field of Drinking Water Production through Seawater Desalination,” a Public-Private Partnership Agreement and other agreements were signed in September last year within the framework of the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum held in Baku. This pilot project will not only serve the sustainable drinking water supply of the population but also set a special example in terms of public-private partnership in our country.
Furthermore, in connection with your Order on the implementation of a pilot project related to the treatment and reuse of wastewater discharged into the Caspian Sea at the “Hovsan” aeration facility, cooperation is being carried out with an International Financial Institution for the preparation of the Feasibility Study document and the determination of the appropriate public-private partnership model.
Dear Mr. President, during the past period, large-scale construction-installation, restoration, and reconstruction works have been carried out in the liberated territories, and numerous infrastructure projects have been implemented.
With your supreme leadership, along with the restoration of our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, control over our water resources in those territories has also been restored, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of the water resources formed within the country. The coordination of activities related to the construction, reconstruction, restoration of water management facilities, and drinking water and irrigation water supply in the liberated territories is ensured by the Commission together with the Coordination Headquarters. As you also noted, the “Zabukhchay” reservoir with a volume of 26.7 million cubic meters was built and put into operation in Lachin district to provide irrigation water to 12,000 hectares of land in Gubadli and Zangilan districts. The “Sugovushan” reservoir with a volume of 5.9 million cubic meters in Aghdara district has been repaired and restored. The 20-kilometer-long “Tartarchay” left bank irrigation canal, serving to improve the water supply of 29.7 thousand hectares of land across four districts, and the 5.2-kilometer-long main canal supplying water to it from the “Sugovushan” reservoir, have been reconstructed and put into operation. Design and estimate documents for the reconstruction of the 50-kilometer-long “Tartarchay” right bank irrigation canal, which will improve the water supply of 67,000 hectares of land across five districts, have been completed, and construction work will commence. The “Khachinchay” reservoir in Aghdam district, with a volume of 23 million cubic meters and a cultivated service area of 7,000 hectares, and the “Kondalanchay” reservoirs in Fuzuli district, with a total volume of 15.5 million cubic meters and a cultivated service area of 6,200 hectares, have been repaired and restored. Design and estimate documents for the construction of the “Hakariçay” reservoir in Lachin district, which will have a volume of 91 million cubic meters, and the “Bargushadchay” reservoir in Gubadli district, which will have a volume of 67 million cubic meters, are nearing completion. The “Hakariçay” reservoir is intended to serve the drinking water supply of Lachin, Gubadli, Zangilan, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, and Aghdam districts in the initial stage. The “Bargushadchay” reservoir, in addition to providing irrigation water to 8,800 hectares of land across Gubadli, Zangilan, and Jabrayil districts, will serve to transfer 12 cubic meters of water per second to the main canal designed for the “Giz Galasi” reservoir. In accordance with existing agreements between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran, measures are continuing for the efficient use of water and energy resources of the “Khudafarin” and “Giz Galasi” reservoirs on the Aras River. Credit and project agreements were signed in 2024 for the co-financing of the project for the construction of the main irrigation canal branching off from the “Giz Galasi” reservoir with an international financial institution, and work has begun on the implementation of the project. This project will serve to improve the water supply of 252,000 hectares of land in the Mil-Mughan zone and to provide water to 12,000 hectares of new land in Jabrayil and Fuzuli districts.
Dear Mr. President, last year certain difficulties were observed in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in terms of water supply. Thus, over the past year, the volume of water entering the two main reservoirs – the “Arpachay” reservoir with a capacity of 150 million cubic meters and the “Heydar Aliyev” reservoir with a capacity of 100 million cubic meters – decreased by approximately half, more than 200 million cubic meters, compared to the same period in 2024. In accordance with your instruction, the issue of efficient use of water resources and sustainable water supply to the population in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic was discussed in detail within the framework of the Commission's activities, a preliminary draft of measures to be taken for a fundamental solution to the problems was prepared, and will ultimately be presented to your attention. At the same time, today's meeting held under your leadership on the improvement of drinking water supply, wastewater, and rainwater systems in Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula will make a special contribution to the efficient use of water resources and the improvement of the population's access to sustainable and high-quality drinking water and sanitation services.
Dear Mr. President, all tasks you have set before us regarding the efficient use of water resources and the coordination of activities in this area will be fulfilled.
Thank you for your attention.
President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you.
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Now, the floor is given to Zaur Mikayilov, Chairman of the State Agency for Water Resources.
Zaur Mikayilov: Dear Mr. President, this project proposal, prepared based on your instruction, reflects the organization of a sustainable water, drinking water, wastewater, and rainwater system for Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula amidst economic development and a growing population. The main objective of the prepared State Program is to ensure a sustainable water supply for the population in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, against the backdrop of transport, urban planning, and territorial development projects implemented based on your instruction. It is precisely based on this approach that the State Program covering 2026-2035 aligns with both current and prospective development goals in Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula.
Dear Mr. President, with your permission, I would like to proceed with the presentation to outline the factors necessitating the preparation of this program and its main constituent directions. If you permit, Mr. President, I would approach.
President Ilham Aliyev: Please proceed.
Zaur Mikayilov: Dear Mr. President, first, I would like to bring to your attention some information regarding the current socio-economic development and demographic growth in Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula, which are among the main factors in the preparation of this program. The water and sewage systems in Baku city were mainly developed until the late 1980s, and since then, the area of settlements has increased by 2.6 times, and the population by 2.1 times. The operational life of the main trunk lines has long expired, and modern control systems do not meet standards in any way. Considering that many of these have a lifespan of 40-50 years, their operational period has already expired. Additional loads have been created in the systems due to the connection of most rainwater collectors to sewage lines. All rainwater systems that existed in Baku were converted into sewage collectors in the 1990s.
The maximum carrying capacity of the main collectors and the low volume of water formed are naturally related to both the population growth, as indicated above, and the discharge of rainwater into those collectors.
The encroachment on the protection zones of many main lines, Mr. President, our recent analyses in Baku city regarding our main sewage trunk lines revealed that there are more than 1600 individual residential or other constructions that complicate, and even render impossible, the operation of these trunk lines. This results in the collapse of expired sewage systems in some areas and damage to residents' homes.
On this side, Mr. President, our current situation regarding uninterrupted drinking water supply, metering percentages across Azerbaijan, and corresponding figures in the European Union are presented. Access to drinking water in Azerbaijan is 73.4 percent, approximately 74 percent, while in the European Union it is 95 percent. Uninterrupted water supply across Azerbaijan is 72.5 percent, and in Baku and Absheron – as you noted – it is 70 percent. The reason for this difference is the extensive construction work carried out in districts and regions in recent years. Therefore, access to uninterrupted water supply is higher there.
As you can see, our metering level is higher compared to the European Union – 91.9 percent, reaching approximately 92 percent.
Our water losses, however, are higher. Actual water losses are 38.6 percent, which is an average of 22 percent in the European Union. In addition, as you noted, our losses are close to 46 percent. Because, in addition to this, there are waters in internal use, which are also considered losses. While this is 3 percent in Europe, it is at the level of 9 percent in Azerbaijan.
Mr. President, this map shows the use of drinking water systems in Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula in connection with socio-economic development and demographic growth. The blue areas you see here are territories where network construction meets standards. As you can see, this reflects the center of Baku city, some parts of Sumgayit city, and some other regions. In the green areas, a water network exists, but these are connection networks that do not meet standards, built primitively by the population, and in some places by brokers. The red areas we see are territories where there is generally no water network, and people bring water by carrying it.
As can be seen from this map, while the served population in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula is 91 percent, our service to the population meeting standards is at 74 percent. While we cover 77 percent of the territory, our coverage that meets construction standards is only at 40 percent.
Similarly, a map of sewage systems in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula is shown. Here, our situation, as you noted, Mr. President, is a bit different. Served areas are in blue, while areas not served at all are in red. Only 52 percent of the population is served here. In terms of area, we can only serve 39 percent. As you can see, these figures are higher in the European Union. All these are among the main factors necessitating the adoption of this program and the coverage of all these zones by carrying out these works for a long time.
In addition, there are situations regarding rainwater that we would like to bring to your attention. As you know, there are more than 300 lakes in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, which naturally have water-collecting functions. However, between 2014 and 2025, as a result of sometimes illegal or unplanned expansions, several lakes here were drained, and the land was occupied, with constructions carried out. This, in turn, leads to these regions and areas being subjected to flooding during intense rainfall.
Dear Mr. President, as you noted, much work has been done in this direction within the framework of state programs over these years. One of the reasons for our satisfactory current situation is the implementation of these programs. When the first State Program was adopted in 2004, drinking water supply in Azerbaijan was only at 40 percent, and in Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula, it was at 29 percent. Currently, drinking water supply, as I showed earlier, has been brought to 73 percent in Azerbaijan, and to 70 percent in Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula. Of course, among the works carried out within this program, both the “Taxtakörpü” and “Jeyranbatan” reservoirs, as well as the ultrafiltration water treatment plant – all these were implemented within the framework of that program and had a very significant impact on our transition from a water shortage situation to today's improved situation.
Mr. President, Azerbaijan's new national water strategy has been adopted by your Order. In this document, the water strategy is grouped into three main directions. Firstly, as you noted, measures are envisaged for the creation of new water sources to fully meet the population's demand for drinking water, the uninterrupted delivery of drinking water to the population in accordance with demand, and the ensuring of water security, which is very important. Another direction is related to water losses. The very important issue you also mentioned is the prevention of water losses. This includes preventing losses in main pipelines and transmission networks, unauthorized use, and ensuring accurate water accounting by fully completing metering. The third direction is the development of water-sewage and rainwater infrastructure. Issues such as the full coverage of Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula with a sewage network, the development of rainwater collectors and the water collection network, and the very important improvement of the ecological environment of the Caspian Sea and lakes have been reflected in our national water strategy.
Among the works done to date and carried out in accordance with this strategy – as you also noted – I would like to mention the project for the production of drinking water through seawater desalination. This is the first project of this scale prepared at the public-private partnership level. The winner of the project tender was “ACWA Power” company from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and as I said, it is the first public-private partnership project in the water sector in Azerbaijan. For the first time in Azerbaijan, drinking water production through seawater desalination will account for 25 percent of the actually used water in Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula thanks to such a mega-project. This will make a very significant contribution to our future water security. These works have already begun, a site has been selected, and according to our forecast, this issue is planned to be completed by the end of 2028.
Dear Mr. President, another project, by your Order, envisages the modernization, reconstruction of the Hovsan Aeration facility, which is the largest treatment plant in Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula, and the investigation of public-private partnership potential there. As noted, close cooperation has been carried out with the Asian Development Bank for the preparation of technical and economic feasibility study documents in this direction; the feasibility study has already reached its final stage and has been submitted to other institutions for their feedback. Based on these feedbacks, the public-private partnership models will be refined. After these refinements are completed, these works are also planned to be implemented through tender starting this year.
I would like to inform you about the main objectives of the State Program project for Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula. Within the framework of the program, the sustainable provision of these water sources, and the optimization of the procedures for water abstraction, treatment, transportation, storage, and distribution are envisaged. Ensuring the population's access to high-quality and sustainable water, minimizing losses in distribution networks, fully improving and ensuring water accounting, renewing and developing rainwater and wastewater systems, investigating and ensuring the use of alternative water sources, and updating the Baku Master Plan for water supply, sewage, and rainwater systems in Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula, extending the plan prepared until 2040 to 2050, are envisaged within this State Program.
Mr. President, I would also like to inform you about the existing water systems in Baku on this map. The blue lines you see here are our existing water lines. These blue markers are existing reservoirs, which play a regulatory role in water distribution. Our main goals regarding uninterrupted water supply are to reach 95 percent. The expansion of the drinking water network and the reduction of water losses to 20 percent in line with European standards, bringing drinking water metering to 100 percent, and the very important improvement of drinking water quality indicators will enable us to provide healthy water to our population. As this system expands, naturally, the modernization of management systems is also very important. Mr. President, there are blue lines you see here, but next to them, new main lines are planned in red, and after these main lines are built, the networking of our missing network – as you noted, we have 64 settlements, towns, and villages in the Absheron Peninsula – will also be carried out.
Mr. President, one of the important issues here is taking into account the demand for drinking water in Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula, especially the future development of our sources. As you can see, a table is shown here, indicating our average daily consumption of 16 cubic meters in the Absheron Peninsula. Our project capacity is 19.1 cubic meters. But as you know, the average figure of 16 cubic meters here rises to higher levels during summer months. Our peak demand in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula is 20.8 cubic meters/second. However, according to development forecasts, in 2040 – this program is currently planned until 2040 – these figures are expected to be an average of 20.7 liters cubic meters/second, and at peak times, i.e., during hot summer periods and in cases of problems with water supply in certain regions, this figure is expected to be 26.9 cubic meters. In this regard, our prepared State Program envisages not only the expansion of networks and main lines but also the increase of water sources. One of these, of course, as we mentioned, is our desalination project, which will provide more than 100 million cubic meters of drinking water annually. This means an additional 3.2 cubic meters/second of water daily. In addition, as you noted, we have planned to bring additional water from five directions – our two directions coming from “Baku-Shollar”, our water source coming from Kura treatment plants, and by improving our Oghuz-Gabala water source. We have planned that thanks to this, we will already achieve that peak level in 2030. In parallel with this, after the network expands, all demand will be met and satisfied by 2040.
As we mentioned here, we will obtain 3.2 cubic meters from seawater, an additional 3 cubic meters by reconstructing the Jeyranbatan water treatment plant complex and completing the classic facility, and another 2 cubic meters through the operation of carrier pipelines and facilities in existing water lines. As you very rightly noted, if our current losses were not at this level, our water would be sufficient even now. But by then, after we reduce our losses by 20 percent, this will meet our need for additional water.
I should also note, Mr. President, that in addition to increasing the capacity of facilities in existing lines envisaged in our program, the work to be done there will at least secure the water currently supplied. Because, as you know, they are Shollar and Oghuz-Gabala artesian waters. Repairing them also affects our underground resources. By regulating the level of the Kura River, we have already transitioned the “Mingachevir” Reservoir to multi-year regulation. By keeping the Kura River's level stable, we have planned for the sustainable delivery of water from those areas to Baku.
Alongside drinking water, Mr. President, as you know, our main objectives include the sewage system. Here, the issue is similar to water systems; we move from the source to the networks. Here, however, it is completely the opposite: first, by creating outlets, i.e., considering where the water will be discharged and how it will be treated, and only then is the creation of networks planned. In this regard, the construction of 12 new collectors is planned in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, and Mr. President, work has already begun on 7 of them by your Order. The blue lines you see here are our collectors. The red lines indicate the main collectors whose construction we have already started in the first phase and which we will complete by the end of 2027. After that – in the second phase – the construction of main trunk lines is envisaged to provide sewage systems for these regions in the eastern part of Absheron. In total, the construction of 346 kilometers of main collectors is planned. In addition, as you know, all of the city's sewage and wastewater currently flows to the Hovsan wastewater treatment plant. To reduce this burden on the city, the creation of 9 additional new treatment plants is envisaged. One of these is the Alat wastewater treatment plant, which envisages the development of the Alat economic zone. The construction of the Sahil treatment plant, Lokbatan, and Mushfigabad facilities is currently ongoing. The project for both the improvement and expansion of the Sumgayit city wastewater treatment plant is continuing. A Boyukshor treatment plant is envisaged within the city, which aims to regulate the ecological condition of Lake Boyukshor, and also to treat all effluents and wastewater there without discharging them into the city, allowing clean water to flow into the lake to maintain its level. A new Pirallahi treatment plant is also envisaged. The modernization of the Pirshagi and Shuvalan treatment plants, their commissioning, and the implementation of biological treatment are also planned. After these are implemented, the networks in these regions will also be connected and directed to the treatment plants via those main lines, and thus, ecologically clean water will be discharged into the Caspian Sea in the Baku-Absheron Peninsula. In many places, the reuse of this water is also envisaged. As you know, the reuse of this water as technical or irrigation water is planned in both the Hovsan treatment plants and others – the Sumgayit treatment plants. Thus, we aim to bring sewage systems to 95 percent.
Mr. President, I would like to briefly inform you about the work currently being done. As you know, the Sahil collector passing through the city center is being reconstructed. The Zigh-Hovsan sewage system is being reconstructed. Work in the directions of Darnagul, Bakikhanov, Garachukhur, Hovsan sewage, Pirshagi, Lokbatan, Mushfigabad, and Boyukshor commenced in mid-2025. The first result we will achieve here will naturally be the improvement of the ecological environment of Baku Bay. Because after the Sahil collector becomes operational, all sewage and rainwater discharged into Baku Bay will be removed from there through it. Ecological protection measures for Lake Jeyranbatan will be strengthened. Because after the Mushfigabad basin is built, all wastewater generated in that area will be directed to the Mushfigabad treatment plant and from there to Sumgayitchay. In the northern and northeastern zones of our peninsula, main sewage systems in all villages will have outlets created, and the networks there will be connected to those collectors.
In the second phase, sewage collectors will be built for Hovsan, Bina, Mashtagha, Turkan – the green lines we see on the map – Shuvalan basin, Alat basin, Sahil, Pirallahi basins, and after these works are implemented – I do not want to take up too much of your time by listing village names one by one, they are written here – the networks of all remaining villages on the eastern side of our peninsula will be connected to them and directed to treatment plants.
In addition, naturally, these are our problems that arise in the city center during intense rainfall, which we experience every time it rains. In this regard, the construction of new rainwater systems in 30 streets of Baku city, as we mentioned, first involves their technical and economic justification, and then their implementation. Mr. President, naturally, you are very well aware of the rains that fell in April 2025; a rain that had not fallen in the last 60 years occurred. That is, it is impossible for any system to be able to cope with rains that might occur once in 100 or 1000 years. But at least to be able to cope with rains that are in line with standards and slightly exceed them, the implementation of these systems is very important, and there is a list of these streets. However, this will naturally be improved as the process progresses, and the construction of these systems is planned for more appropriate and suitable streets. In this way, the elimination of the main problems in our city center has been planned.
Mr. President, alongside all these construction and design works, the proper accounting and digitalization of these systems are also very important. Because as systems expand, it will not be possible to control them with human numbers. For this purpose, in many places – in the water supply and rainwater systems of Baku city and the Absheron Peninsula – control systems will be established using software, new “SCADA” systems, and internet technologies, which we call "Ayote" (IoT), which will lead to the electronization and improvement of the accounting system, and the removal of the human factor from this system as much as possible. Water quality indicators will be monitored online, and in this way, instead of taking laboratory analyses several times a day, any change we observe will be displayed online in the system, allowing for on-site and timely interventions. To prevent leaks and water losses, thanks to "Ayote" monitoring systems, we intend to detect them very quickly and resolve them promptly. Naturally, alongside all these works, we also intend to enhance the material and technical base in that direction, i.e., the material and technical base of operating organizations, to ensure their prompt response to these errors, accidents, and works.
Apart from these works, naturally, as the State Agency for Water Resources, we also have a service for controlling the use and protection of waters. In addition, strengthening the security of protection zones and improving operation in water management systems are very important. As we noted a little earlier, in many places, buildings and houses constructed in protection zones have a very significant impact on both our systems and the safety of those houses. It is necessary to conduct an inventory of protection zones for water, rainwater, and wastewater systems, and also to take measures regarding the activities of protection zones in accordance with the requirements of normative legal acts, together with relevant institutions. With a list submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers, forced relocations will occur in many places. Because, as we said, since we do not have access to some main canals, these relocations will also be necessary in some places. In connection with preventing illegal interference with water management facilities, some rules are already coming into force with the Order you recently signed. In this regard, we will submit some work to the Cabinet of Ministers by the end of this month, and this will pave the way for further development of our work. The implementation of measures for the protection of water and water management facilities from chemical, biological, hydrological, and other pollutions – all these, as we said, the state program, simply envisages investment-related measures. This will also pave the way for our operating organizations and services to both improve their work and further expand daily operational activities over 10 years. By keeping these measures under control, we aim to bring all these systems to European standards within 10 years.
That is all I have to say, Mr. President; if you would permit, I would request your approval of this program.
President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you.
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Then the discussions continued.
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12:08
On January 12, a meeting dedicated to the State Program for 2026-2035 on the improvement of water supply, wastewater, and rainwater systems in Baku city and Absheron Peninsula was held, chaired by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
Modern.az reports that the head of our state delivered a speech at the meeting.
Then, Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev and Zaur Mikayilov, Chairman of the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan (SAWRA), informed President Ilham Aliyev about the completed and planned works.
