Implementation of the project on restoration of underground water channels in the areas inhabited by refugees got started

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Mətbuat xidmətinin məlumatı 30 October, 2018

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) began to implement the project “Integrated development of rural areas where IDPs settled through the restoration of underground water systems in Azerbaijan” with financial support of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The purpose of the project is to provide safe and sustainable water supply to more than 8 thousand families through the restoration of 40 underground water channels which are traditional and sustainable water systems. The four-year project will not only be limited to the restoration of underground water channels, but will also support the Azerbaijani government in the development of master plans concerning restoration of underground water channels, increase employment opportunities for underground water channel engineers and well-sinkers, and support small entrepreneurship activities of IDPs, especially women. Fuad Huseynov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs, who attended the opening ceremony of the project spoke about the state care to IDPs founded by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. It was noted that special attention and care is being provided by the President Ilham Aliyev to strengthen the social protection of IDPs. After the appointment of the First Vice President Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva to this position, the activity in this area has become even more widespread. The implementation of the instruction about relocating IDPs living under severe conditions to new apartments is always kept under control. Deputy Chairman said that the projects implemented by international humanitarian organizations related to IDPs are a great moral and psychological support for them regardless of their material value. Implementation of the project is important for improving the social welfare of IDPs and ensuring their employment. At the same time, they expressed their gratitude to international organizations for the projects implemented. Mr. Serhan Aktoprak, head of the Representative Office of IOM in Azerbaijan, said that the restoration of underground water channels will be beneficial for thousands of families living in the villages and will create new employment opportunities for them. Saying that “Economic and social development should serve the welfare of humanity,” Kumok Park, KOICA`s Representative Office in Azerbaijan, noted that the underground water channel project fully coincides with the 3P (people, prosperity and peace) principle of KOICA and she expressed her satisfaction about the fact that KOICA is able to support this project work jointly with IOM. Moreover, the project will contribute to the efforts of Azerbaijan to implement the principles of the Global Compact on Migration and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These principles include meeting domestic needs of households and provision of them irrigation water which have a direct impact on poverty eradication and ensuring food security, increasing women`s opportunities and ensuring their participation in decision-making processes, enhancing their leadership roles in the communities they belong to, restoring environmentally friendly and sustainable water supply systems, increasing availability of underground water channels and potable water.