Azerbaijan invests $8.5 million in new homes to drive Karabakh's prosperity

A total of $8.5 million will be allocated for the construction of private houses in Shukurbayli village, located in the Jabrayil district.

The IDPs Social Development Fund recently conducted a tender for the project, and Tunel-Metro İnşaat LLC emerged as the winning contractor, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

A contract worth $8,588,235 has been signed for the construction of 93 residential units.

The Azerbaijani government is making significant investments to transform Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur into thriving economic centres. The “2022-2026 Social and Economic Development Strategy of Azerbaijan” and the “Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development” programs provide a comprehensive framework for revitalizing these regions. Since 2021, over $10.37 billion has been allocated from the state budget for ongoing reconstruction efforts.

A critical element of the reconstruction initiative is the implementation of the “I State Program on the Great Return to the Territories Liberated from Occupation of the Republic of Azerbaijan.” This program highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring sustainable resettlement and development in these areas. As the first step, demining activities were initiated, resulting in the clearance of 1,536,652,787 square meters of land from mines and unexploded ordnance between 2020 and 2024.

The “Great Return” program, designed to facilitate the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) back to their homes, is a cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts. As of August 2024, approximately 8,000 individuals have returned to their native lands, with plans to accommodate up to 34,500 families (or 140,000 individuals) by the end of the first stage in late 2026.

To support economic growth and resettlement efforts under this program, the Azerbaijani government is implementing comprehensive measures aimed at developing workplaces, providing decent living conditions, and ensuring sustainable regional development.

Returnees will receive modern housing, infrastructure, and essential services as part of Azerbaijan’s broader efforts to establish sustainable living conditions in the liberated territories. In addition to basic infrastructure, the government is prioritizing the creation of economic opportunities for those resettling in the region. Initiatives in agriculture, small business development, and other economic projects are being launched to facilitate their reintegration and stimulate the local economy. This comprehensive strategy aims to ensure that individuals returning to Karabakh can do so in a secure, stable, and prosperous environment.

By Tamilla Hasanova