World Bank approves Azerbaijan water supply loan

The World Bank has approved a $150m International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loan for additional financing for Azerbaijan’s Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project (NWSSP 2).

In addition to improving the quality and reliability of the water supply, the loan will help to expand water supply and sanitation services in selected regional centres in Azerbaijan. It will also provide additional household connections and metering and larger-capacity water and wastewater treatment plants.

Although Azerbaijan has an extensive water supply and sanitation network, due to a lack of investment and maintenance the quality of services has deteriorated in rural regions of the country.

World Bank South Caucasus director Henry Kerali said: "The project primarily targets the population of secondary towns and suburban villages, which are mostly rural and more vulnerable."

Started in 2008, the Second National Water Supply and Sanitation Project has extended service through piped water supply and provided sanitation to over 120,000 people.

World Bank senior infrastructure specialist and project team leader Hadji Huseynov said: "The additional loan will finance the scale-up of activities and expansion of coverage in Siyazan, Shabran, Aghsu, Ismayilli, Lerik, Yardimli, Masalli, and Jalibad rayons."

Upon completion of the project in around three years, 300,000 Azerbaijanis will have access to world-class water and sanitation services.