President Aliyev inaugurates sand-free water treatment facility in Yevlakh PHOTO

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has inaugurated a new sand-free water treatment facility in Yevlakh, marking a significant milestone in the reconstruction of the city’s water supply and sewage infrastructure.

During the ceremony, Chairman of the State Water Resources Agency Zaur Mikayilov briefed the head of state on the large-scale modernisation project, which aims to ensure sustainable access to clean drinking water and improved wastewater services for 70,000 residents, with projections extending to 2035, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The project entails the construction of a drinking water treatment plant with a daily capacity of 20,000 cubic meters, installation of 139 kilometres of new water pipelines, nearly 13,000 household connections, 115 kilometres of wastewater pipelines, and five pumping stations. Additionally, a wastewater treatment facility with a daily capacity of 12,500 cubic meters will be built to treat and safely discharge the city’s wastewater.

A major component already completed is the sand-free rapid filtration plant located on the bank of the Kura River. The facility features 16 advanced filters and two water reservoirs with a combined capacity of 2,500 cubic meters. It is equipped with pumps for disinfection and backwashing, alongside a transformer and generator to guarantee uninterrupted power supply.

To date, 86 kilometers of water distribution lines have been laid, and 4,230 homes have been connected with water meters.

Yevlakh’s water infrastructure, dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, had long struggled to meet demand. The city’s reliance on 15 aging sub-artesian wells and partially treated water from the Kura River resulted in an inconsistent and often inadequate supply. The main pipelines – two 27-kilometer-long routes from the well zone – had deteriorated significantly despite repeated repairs. Moreover, the old 191-kilometer water network had become obsolete, underscoring the urgent need for complete overhaul.

By Khagan Isayev