Azerbaijan - Water Supply and Sanitation : Sector Review and Strategy
Following a brief description of the country's economic background, through the impressive macroeconomic stability, and resumption of growth since 1995, the study identifies weak quality, and availability of basic social services, which have been affected by a drop in the government current expenditures. Despite unreliable data for a precise assessment of the water supply sector, the study examines the main issues, and constraints affecting water, and sanitation service levels, and quality. Although a high percentage of households in Baku, and other primary cities, are connected to piped water supply, this service coverage drops in secondary cities, and towns, with considerable drops in rural areas. The situation is aggravated considering that only fifty percent of wastewater in Baku receives treatment; while treatment coverage falls dramatically in other areas. The technical efficiency of operations reveals poor maintenance, and insufficient resources, exacerbated by a dual dimensions-reliability problem: service interruption and low pressure, and, water quality. The requirements as assessed by the study, address institutional, and governance reforms, to clearly define responsibilities for the Government, private sector, and stakeholders, suggesting financial, technical, and services reforms, to be implemented through four main programs, and, a continued Government dialogue, should support these recommendations, within the strategic context.
Summary: | Following a brief description of the
country's economic background, through the impressive
macroeconomic stability, and resumption of growth since
1995, the study identifies weak quality, and availability of
basic social services, which have been affected by a drop in
the government current expenditures. Despite unreliable data
for a precise assessment of the water supply sector, the
study examines the main issues, and constraints affecting
water, and sanitation service levels, and quality. Although
a high percentage of households in Baku, and other primary
cities, are connected to piped water supply, this service
coverage drops in secondary cities, and towns, with
considerable drops in rural areas. The situation is
aggravated considering that only fifty percent of wastewater
in Baku receives treatment; while treatment coverage falls
dramatically in other areas. The technical efficiency of
operations reveals poor maintenance, and insufficient
resources, exacerbated by a dual dimensions-reliability
problem: service interruption and low pressure, and, water
quality. The requirements as assessed by the study, address
institutional, and governance reforms, to clearly define
responsibilities for the Government, private sector, and
stakeholders, suggesting financial, technical, and services
reforms, to be implemented through four main programs, and,
a continued Government dialogue, should support these
recommendations, within the strategic context. |
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