BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 4.
Construction of new reservoirs is planned in Azerbaijan’s liberated
territories, head of the Karabakh Regional Water Reclamation
Systems Operation Department, Mushfig Adigozalov, told Trend.
According to him, reconstruction and design of water supply
systems in accordance with the perspective plan of the cities in
Karabakh and East Zangezur are ongoing. Design work has already
been completed in some regions, while the process is ongoing in
others.
He said that in Aghdam city, the design stage has been
completed, and construction and installation work are being carried
out in stages in accordance with the city’s master plan.
“Preparations for design work are being carried out in Khankendi
city. In Lachin city, both design and construction and installation
works have already been completed. All work is being carried out in
stages and the prospective development of the areas where the
resettlement is planned is taken into account,” he said.
Reservoirs rendered unusable during occupation
restored
Adigozalov pointed out that during the occupation, the
Khachinchay and Kondalanchay reservoirs were rendered unusable and
their exploitation was not possible. After liberation from the
occupation, these facilities were completely rebuilt.
“Drinking water supply systems were also completely destroyed in
most settlements. In Khankendi, the system was partially rendered
unusable. The water supply infrastructure in the completely
destroyed cities has been rebuilt.
After the completion of the projects implemented in Khankendi,
the water treatment plant complex, rainwater management system,
sewage network and drinking water supply in the city will operate
in full accordance with Azerbaijani construction norms and
rules.
The city is divided into 10 zones according to its relief
features, and separate water reservoirs are planned for each
zone.
Currently, 3,264 subscribers are served in Khankendi, where
employees of state institutions and various organizations that have
resumed their activities live.
There are networks and collectors for the removal of wastewater
from the city. Currently, wastewater is discharged from 27 points
into streams on the outskirts of the city,” he added.
Wastewater treatment and reuse to be ensured in
Shusha
The official said that a wastewater treatment complex is being
constructed in accordance with the perspective development plan of
Shusha city.
“The treated water here will be discharged into the Gargarchay
river. As a result of the treatment process, the water will be
brought to a state suitable for irrigation purposes in all
technical indicators and can be used as technical water”.
Shusha was provided with water a few days after its liberation
from occupation
He noted that work began immediately after the liberation of the
city of Shusha from occupation to restore water supply.
“For the first time since the liberation of the city of Shusha
from occupation, we were sent to the area on November 12, 2020 to
provide the city with water. The main water line coming to Shusha
was destroyed. The main line, which had been rendered unusable at
approximately 25 points, was repaired and restored,” said
Adigozalov.
According to him, in the next stage, the water treatment plant
complex No. 1 and the storage area located in the city were also
restored.
“As a result of the work done, water supply to the city of
Shusha was ensured in the initial stage on November 19-20,
2020.
Later, the construction of a new water treatment plant complex
was carried out in the city, and on July 5, 2024, the complex was
commissioned with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev.
Currently, Shusha city is provided with uninterrupted, stable
and high-quality drinking water 24 hours a day,” he clarified.
Old systems left over from Soviet era being
upgraded
Adigozalov emphasized that a significant part of the water
management infrastructure that existed in Karabakh before the
occupation was old systems from the Soviet era, and most of them
were not in working condition.
“Currently, these systems are either being completely rebuilt or
undergoing major repairs and restoration.
In order to combat the risks of drought and water shortage, work
is underway to reconstruct water reservoirs and create new water
resources in the liberated territories.
It’s planned to design and build new water reservoirs in the
Lachin district. In the Gubadli district, the construction of the
Bargushad reservoir is being planned.
These projects are expected to contribute to more efficient use
of water resources and strengthening the region’s water security in
the future,” he noted.
Tourism and settlement plans form the basis of
water projects
The official explained that all water management projects
implemented in Karabakh and East Zangezur are prepared taking into
account the development prospects of the cities.
“During the design, factors such as future population size,
tourism potential, and location of industrial and service
facilities are taken into account. Construction work is carried out
in accordance with these forecasts,” he added.
