Azerbaijani President, First Lady attend groundbreaking ceremonies in Kalbajar PHOTO

On September 2, 2024, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva undertook a significant visit to Kalbajar, showcasing a series of key initiatives aimed at the region's advancement and revitalization.

The day began with the inauguration of the “Yukhari Vang” Hydroelectric Power Plant, which has a capacity of 22.5 MW. This new facility is set to play a crucial role in meeting the region’s energy needs and boosting local economic development, Caliber.Az reports via Azertag.

Following the power plant opening, the President and First Lady visited the Khudavang Monastery Complex, highlighting their commitment to preserving and celebrating the region’s cultural heritage.

President Aliyev then laid the foundation stone for a second residential complex in Kalbajar, aimed at addressing the region's housing needs. In addition, he presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a new administrative building, which will serve as a central hub for local governance and services.

Their visit also included a tour of the Kalbajar City Education Complex, where they reviewed progress on a modular school project set to open later this year. This project underscores the administration’s focus on enhancing educational facilities for local students.

Additionally, President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva inspected the construction of a new residential complex that will provide homes for 524 families, further demonstrating their commitment to improving living conditions in the region.

The day continued with the inauguration of the Istisu Mineral Water Plant, a significant new facility in the Kalbajar district. The plant, aimed at harnessing the region's natural mineral resources, is expected to boost local economic activity and provide new employment opportunities.

President Aliyev also inaugurated two key hydroelectric power stations. The 4.3 MW "Zar" Small Hydroelectric Power Station (SHPS) operated by Azerenerji OJSC in Kalbajar and the 4.1 MW "Toghanaly" SHPS in Goygol district via SCADA system.

Additionally, President Ilham Aliyev was briefed on the construction of six new SHPS with a total capacity of 37.5 MW, underway in Kalbajar, Lachin, and Aghdara.

These projects are part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s renewable energy infrastructure.

Another milestone was the opening of the 110/35/10 kV “Istisu” substation, operated by “Azerishig” OJSC. This new substation in the Istisu settlement is expected to improve the reliability and capacity of the local electricity supply, supporting both residential and industrial needs.

President Aliyev and First Lady Aliyeva also visited the construction site of the “Istisu” Treatment and Recreation Complex. The complex is poised to become a major health and leisure destination, offering therapeutic and recreational facilities in the region.

President Aliyev also laid the foundation stone for the Istisu settlement in Kalbajar district. This new residential development is part of a broader initiative to bolster infrastructure and support population growth in the region.

Concluding the day's activities, the president laid the foundation stone for an administrative building in the city of Kalbajar.   President Aliyev was briefed on the future developments.  

The construction site covers more than 2.4 hectares, located between Kalbajar's public center and city park. According to the master plan, two administrative buildings are planned for the city's administrative center. Both buildings will feature modern designs, with construction scheduled to begin in 2025.

These events reflect Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to support and develop Kalbajar through investments in infrastructure, energy, education, and housing, as the region continues to recover and flourish.