A meeting chaired by Ilham Aliyev was held to discuss the improvement of water supply, wastewater, and stormwater systems in the city of Baku and the Absheron Peninsula. On the same day, a Presidential Decree was issued approving the State Program on Improving Water Supply, Stormwater, and Wastewater Systems in the City of Baku and the Absheron Peninsula for the period 2026-2035. The State Program has been developed to enhance water supply and wastewater infrastructure in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula, reduce flooding risks during intense rainfall, and ensure uninterrupted and sustainable water supply. The Presidential Decree assigns the monitoring and evaluation of the measures envisaged in the State Program to the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) by instruction of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The topic was commented on by Arzu Suleymanov, Head of the Efficiency Assessment Sector at CAERC. He noted that the reforms to be launched in the water supply and sewerage sector over the period 2026-2035 aim to strengthen the country’s water infrastructure and contribute to environmental protection. The Program consists of two main phases, both targeting a more resilient and environmentally sustainable water supply system.

The first phase, covering the years 2026-2030, will focus on the renewal and repair of existing water supply and sewerage networks. During this period, modern technologies will be applied for stormwater management and wastewater reuse. At the same time, smart water networks will be established, and innovative solutions will be introduced to detect water losses within the networks.

The second phase, covering the period 2031-2035, will be directed toward ensuring the continuity of water supply through the construction of new reservoirs and pumping stations. This phase also envisages the further expansion and improvement of water supply and sewerage networks.

As a result of the Program’s implementation, Azerbaijan will enhance the sustainability of drinking water sources, improve water accounting systems, and expand the use of alternative water sources. The long-term objectives of the Program are aligned with the Master Plan of the city of Baku and will enable the provision of modern water supply services, as well as the efficient management of the country’s water resources.

The Action Plan of the State Program reflects three main priorities: the development of water supply and wastewater management systems, the management of natural disaster risks and environmental sustainability in the water sector, and the promotion of innovation and digitalization within the sector.

It should be noted that the financial burden of major infrastructure projects envisaged under the State Program is planned to be covered at the initial stage through public-private partnerships (PPPs) and credit and grant instruments provided by international financial institutions. This approach will play a key role in securing the necessary funding for implementation, support more efficient management of the state budget, reduce external debt, and strengthen cooperation with international financial institutions.