Addressing the Water Crisis through Infrastructure Improvements and Community Engagement
Despite the Azerbaijani government’s promises to address the country’s persistent water shortage issues, the people of Azerbaijan continue to grapple with inadequate access to clean, reliable water supplies. This crisis stems from a combination of outdated infrastructure, poor management, and the mounting pressures of the climate change.
Crumbling Infrastructure and Mismanaged Water Resources
The Kura and Araxes rivers are the primary water sources, providing 78% of the country’s water supply. In 2013, the government opened the Caspian Sea Water Desalination Complex to help alleviate the shortages, but experts argue that many of the existing measures have been insufficient.
Economist Rovshan Agayev points out that the centralization of the water management system under the newly formed Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ASWRA) is counterproductive. Instead, he suggests dividing responsibilities among relevant state institutions, such as entrusting the Ministry of Agriculture with water purchasing and distribution for farmers, and municipalities or private investors with the supply of drinking water to the population.
“The purchase of water and its transfer to farmers should be entrusted to the Ministry of Agriculture. The supply of drinking water to the population should be entrusted either to municipalities or to private investors on a certain basis,” Agayev explained in an April 2023 interview.
The lack of coordination and oversight has led to widespread issues, particularly in rural areas and small towns, where “most small towns and rural areas lack access to professionally operated services,” according to a recent World Bank report.
Uneven Water Access and Community Unrest
The water shortage crisis has disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities, with residents in the northern region of Zaqatala and the Saatli district reporting long-standing problems with water access. In Zaqatala, residents complained that despite their repeated efforts to reach officials, the issues with outdated infrastructure remained unresolved.
Similarly, in Saatli, residents were forced to stage protests last year after numerous attempts to address their water shortage concerns with the government proved futile. Rather than addressing the community’s grievances, the authorities responded by firing rubber bullets at the villagers, suppressing their voices.
The water crisis has also reached the capital city of Baku, where several districts experienced prolonged water shutoffs this past summer due to repair work on a major water pipe. Residents were not warned about the interruption or given a timeline for the restoration of services.
“At present, the issue of water scarcity in our country is not as keenly felt by the urban population,” claimed Umayra Taghiyeva, the Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, during the International Exhibition and Conference for Water Management in March 2024. However, this statement was made before the scorching summer heat, which once again highlighted the ongoing water shortage challenges faced by Azerbaijanis nationwide.
The Role of Climate Change and Demographic Shifts
The water crisis in Azerbaijan is further exacerbated by the growing impacts of climate change, including excessive agriculture, a large number of reservoirs, droughts, and pollution. Additionally, the country’s rapidly increasing urban population, driven by internal migration, has placed additional strain on the already overburdened water infrastructure.
According to a recent study by the Baku Research Center, the urban population percentage has risen from 52.2% to 54.5% in the last two decades, as the country’s total population reached 10.32 million in 2022.
Broken Promises and the Need for Meaningful Action
In 2020, President Ilham Aliyev promised to address the country’s water shortage problem, stating that “drinking water and irrigation projects will be on our agenda as the most important issues.” He even signed an action plan to ensure the effective use of water resources from 2020-2022.
However, four years later, the problem remains far from resolved, as evidenced by the continued water access issues faced by communities across Azerbaijan. The lack of progress has underscored the need for the government to prioritize meaningful, long-term solutions that address the root causes of the water crisis.
Towards a Sustainable and Equitable Water Future
To overcome the persistent water shortage challenges in Azerbaijan, a multifaceted approach is required, focusing on infrastructure improvements, enhanced water management, and community engagement.
Modernizing Water Infrastructure
The government must prioritize the modernization and maintenance of the country’s water infrastructure, including the rehabilitation of aging pipelines, the expansion of water treatment facilities, and the development of more efficient irrigation systems. This will not only improve water access but also reduce water losses and wastage.
Strengthening Water Governance and Transparency
Streamlining the water management system and ensuring clear delineation of responsibilities among relevant state institutions is crucial. The ASWRA should work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, municipalities, and private sector partners to enhance the efficiency and accountability of water distribution and supply.
Increased transparency in water management decisions and the accessibility of information for the public will empower communities to hold the government accountable and participate in the decision-making process.
Promoting Community Engagement and Sustainability
Engaging local communities in the development and implementation of water management strategies is essential. By facilitating dialogue, incorporating community feedback, and supporting grassroots initiatives, the government can foster a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for the sustainable use of water resources.
Educational campaigns to promote water conservation, efficient water usage, and the adoption of water-saving technologies can also empower citizens to be active participants in addressing the water crisis.
Addressing the Impact of Climate Change
The Azerbaijani government must develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on the country’s water resources. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources to reduce the strain on water resources.
Collaboration with international organizations and experts can help the country access the latest research, technologies, and funding opportunities to address the water crisis in a holistic and sustainable manner.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action and Sustained Commitment
The water shortage crisis in Azerbaijan is a multifaceted challenge that requires a coordinated, long-term approach. Despite the government’s past promises, the Azerbaijani people continue to face the consequences of inadequate water access, poor infrastructure, and a lack of effective water management.
By prioritizing infrastructure modernization, strengthening water governance, engaging with local communities, and addressing the impacts of climate change, the Azerbaijani government can take meaningful steps towards ensuring a sustainable and equitable water future for all its citizens. The time for action is now, as the well-being and resilience of the Azerbaijani people depend on the successful resolution of this pressing crisis.
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