Minister: New state program covers 16 directions of developing Baku and its settlements

The state program on socio-economic development of Baku and its settlements in 2011-2013 provides specific solutions for the problems of each settlement of the capital, Minister of Economic Development Shahin Mustafayev said in an interview with AzTV state TV channel.

The state program on socio-economic development of Baku and its settlements in 2011-2013 was approved by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's decree on May 4, 2011.

"The program is so detailed," he said. "It includes all the operations."

He said that the program covers 16 areas. One can stress such areas as infrastructure, social sphere, environment, development of entrepreneurship.

"Gas supply of Baku and its settlements are at a very high level now," he said. "But today, new housing areas, which should be also provided with gas, are under construction. The old infrastructure must be completely reconstructed to meet modern requirements. The quality of gas must be improved. The consumers must be provided with gas. The obsolete equipment must be renewed."

The minister said that over the next 2.5 years, gas meters will be replaced with new automated meters. The new substations and transformer stations will be built. The obsolete equipment will be replaced. The new power lines will be laid.

"In particular, about 11 new substations are planned to built," he said. "About 42 substations will be repaired and reconstructed. About 300 kilometers of electricity cables of 110-120 kW will be laid."

The ministry also considers the issue of introducing the alternative and renewable energy sources in the settlements of Baku. The old system is planned to be reconstructed to solve the problem with heat supply in Baku and its settlements, all schools, kindergartens and health facilities, about 600 houses and 200 kilometers of heating lines.

"Serious work will be conducted to renew the sewerage system in the settlements of Baku, as we know that there are serious problems in this area today," he said. "The system of sewerage and water supply of 63 settlements will be reconstructed and repaired. About 8 sewage treatment plants with total capacity of 535,000 cubic meters are planned to be built. All the issues in the field of sanitation and water supply in the settlements of Baku must be resolved by implementing these measures."

He said that the construction of roads is also one of the priority issues in the new program. The main issue is the construction and overhaul of inter-settlement roads with an area of about 20 million square meters.

This state program will be financed from the state budget. The funds will be drawn from the National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support and Azerbaijan Investment Company. The Ministry also considers the issues of drawing the funds from other sources, including the international financial institutions.


/Trend/