Azerbaijani President, First Lady inspect development projects in Jabrayil, Zangilan Districts PHOTO/UPDATED

On October 3, 2024, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, accompanied by First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, inspected ongoing construction projects and inaugurated key industrial and social facilities in the liberated regions of Jabrayil and Zangilan.

Construction progress in Horovlu Village, Jabrayil District

President Aliyev and the First Lady visited the village of Horovlu in the Jabrayil district, where they were briefed by Vahid Hajiyev, the President’s special representative in the region, on the development of housing and social infrastructure. The planned development area spans 248 hectares and will house 3,470 residents (867 families). In the first phase, 334 homes are nearing completion to accommodate 1,395 people, with houses featuring two to five rooms. Ongoing projects include the construction of a school, kindergarten, and service facilities. The foundation for the village was laid by President Aliyev on May 4, 2023.

Opening of secondary school in Jabrayil

Later in Jabrayil, President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the opening of the Mehdi Mehdizade Secondary School, a modern facility designed to accommodate 960 students. The school, spanning 2.7 hectares, features 40 classrooms, five administrative offices, and fully equipped laboratories for various subjects. The school also includes sports facilities, STEAM rooms, and outdoor play areas. Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev provided a tour of the new institution, emphasizing the state-of-the-art teaching tools and infrastructure.

Foundation laid for beverage production complex and poultry factory

In the industrial sphere, President Aliyev laid the foundation stones for two major production facilities in Jabrayil. The first is a non-alcoholic beverage production complex by Azersun Holding, expected to have an annual output of 250 million PET bottles and 350 million aluminium cans. The facility, using sustainable technologies, will employ 300 people and reduce currency outflows for Azerbaijan.

The President also laid the foundation for a brooding egg production factory by Hijaz LLC, which will produce 24 million eggs annually, along with a feed factory and incubation facilities. This project is expected to create 150 jobs and ensure modern poultry production in the region.

Industrial Park Expansions in Araz Valley Economic Zone

The Araz Valley Economic Zone industrial park, a critical hub for economic revival in Jabrayil, saw the launch of several new projects. President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies for a furniture cluster by Lithuania’s Dominari, which will produce furniture and mattresses. The facility is expected to create 650 jobs and involves a total investment of over 50 million AZN.

The couple also laid the foundation for two additional factories in the industrial park: Karabakh Stone LLC, which will produce decorative paving stones, and Prestij-Kimya LLC, which will manufacture disinfectants and cleaning products. Both projects will further enhance domestic production capacities and generate permanent employment in the region.

Digital Control Center for Zangilan's Electric Power Network

In Zangilan, President Aliyev inaugurated the Digital Control Center for the Zangilan Electric Power Network, an advanced facility designed to manage and monitor the local energy supply. The centre, equipped with modern transformers and control systems, is powered by underground cable lines connected to the 110/35/10 kV Zangilan substation.

Residential and recreational projects in Zangilan

President Aliyev also laid the foundation stones for the fifth and sixth residential complexes in Zangilan city, part of the city's rapid redevelopment. These complexes will provide housing for hundreds of families, offering modern amenities and proximity to educational and recreational facilities.

At the Zangilan Recreation Complex, the President reviewed construction progress. The facility will include a 111-room hotel with various leisure amenities, including fitness centres, pools, and entertainment options. The complex is expected to become a major destination for returning residents and visitors.

Inauguration of “Sarigishlag” hydroelectric power station

To conclude the day’s events, President Aliyev commissioned the “Sarigishlag” Hydroelectric Power Station in Zangilan. The eco-friendly station is part of a cascade of four hydroelectric plants along the Okhchuchay River and will generate 33 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The plant’s design includes special ecological measures to preserve water levels in the river and minimize environmental impact.

The day's series of inaugurations and foundation-laying ceremonies underscore Azerbaijan's commitment to reviving its liberated territories, with significant investments aimed at boosting economic activity, improving living standards, and fostering sustainable development.