East Zangezur rehabilitation structure to allocate over $23 million for construction, infrastructure works

The Service for Restoration, Construction and Management in Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan districts has signed a contract with Repair and Construction Department No.19.

The contract envisages the construction of private homes, non-residential buildings, engineering infrastructure (including water, sewage, gas, electricity, and communication networks), as well as internal roads and pavements in the village of Horovlu in Jabrayil district.

According to a report by the state procurement website etender.gov.az, the contract is valued at over $23 million, Caliber.Az reports.

The Azerbaijani government is making significant investments to transform Karabakh and East Zangezur into thriving economic centers. 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 underscores 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 Vafa Guliyeva