Azerbaijani government raises attention to social issues in order to improve the welfare of the people. From this point of view, one important measure is the improvement or reconstruction of water and sewer systems in our country.
The Head of State first met with the public of Zagatala.
I congratulate them on this significant event, President Ilham Aliyev said:
"Today we celebrate the opening of a water supply project of Zagatala. I congratulate you. This completely solved the problem of water supply to Zagatala. As I was informed, the round-the-clock supply of clean drinking water has already started.
This is a big project of social value. Of course, all the work is done for the convenience of the people. Water supply projects are now being implemented in various places of our country. A few days ago we completed several projects of water supply of the cities. The process continues. Now it is Zagatala`s turn.
This project, of course, is a present for people. Perhaps, water was supplied with intervals here, like elsewhere. Perhaps a few hours a day. And it is not very high quality. Now water will be supplied round-the-clock. Now we will see the work done. It`s a great event. It is of great importance, a huge social significance. At the same time, it shows the overall development of our country. I am also acquainted with new projects of Zagatala. I can see that constructive work is being held.
Buildings are restored. Buildings regain their historical appearance. This park is completely renovated. A wonderful recreation area.
Other projects are all implemented. The process of beautification of the city is underway. That is, there is the whole social infrastructure. The implementation of drinking water project will be followed by gasification. It is not up to standard so far. We should try to provide Zagatala with gas by about 90-95 percent. Probably we will be able to achieve that by the end of the year. Construction of rural roads is underway. Funds are and will be allocated in the future to this end. These projects are implemented in every city, in every area, so there is the issue of funds. But we are trying to implement at least one or two of the projects in every region in the nearest future, and then, of course, we will achieve a broad scope of these projects.
Restoration work is being successfully held here, 20 schools are being rebuilt after earthquake. Some are already built or currently under construction. The buildings are restored. As I was informed, 3388 houses have been built.
Moreover, it has been done within a year. An incredible achievement. Last year the work, commensurate to large towns, cities was done in one region. In addition, this work is done in the neighboring areas - Balakan, Gakh, Shaki. However, Zagatala has suffered major destruction. Therefore, the work is done here, and I`m sure that soon the rest of the houses will also be repaired or rebuilt, so that citizens can soon move into their new houses.
Of course, earthquake is a large natural disaster. Fortunately, there has been no accident, no tragedy. But people`s homes were destroyed.
I remember being here at that time I said that even better houses, comfortable and large will be built here. Most of the old houses were built of not very quality materials. Now the houses are durable and if, Allah forbid, there is another earthquake, these houses will face no threat. This is a policy of the Azerbaijani state, its attitude to its citizens and this shows again that Azerbaijan is a social state.
Social state means that the state policy concentrates on people. Everything should be for people, it should be for the citizens of Azerbaijan, and we see it on the example of Zagatala. Huge investments were made here in earlier periods. The Olympic complex, a stadium, a diagnostic center, other projects. Today I am getting acquainted with the construction of the Heydar Aliyev Center, a aindergarten and finally the implementation of the drinking water project.
The drinking water project is probably in the first place among the infrastructural projects for a comfortable life. Because water is life and health. Quality drinking water means healthy life.
The issue of ensuring Zagatala with drinking water has already been solved. Several villages are covered. In the future, these projects are to be implemented individually in other villages.
This is my sixth visit to Zagatala. Every time I see some innovations. The last time we were walking around the historical stairs, and the head of the executive power said that they have the plans. Restoration work was underway then. Now it has been completed. The Gala duzu complex has been built as well. The historical buildings of Zagatala will also be restored. We will pay attention to this work, because we approach these issues comprehensively. We must preserve our history and our historical heritage.
At the same time, every town must develop. We must maintain the history and create modern conditions, and we create them. Both in Baku and here. Many cities of Azerbaijan have a very rich history and culture. These include Zagatala. The buildings around here have a long history.
We know and need to know their history. Young people should also be aware of it. And now we are writing a new history - the history of independence. This is the most glorious history in the life of our people of all periods. Azerbaijani people have never lived so quietly, the Azerbaijani state has never been so strong. This independence is the real one. At the beginning of the last century, Azerbaijan existed for two years as an independent state. But we all know: that independence was incomplete, so it did not last long. Two years later, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic collapsed. Before that there had been the traditions of statehood in different periods of our history.
They are very important to us. But Azerbaijan has never been so free and independent. We need to know that – both we and the younger generation. We need to protect and reinforce it. The development of every city, improvement of every village means laying foundation stone of the building of our independence. These projects, of course, could only be realized in independent Azerbaijan. As the independent Azerbaijan is the state of the Azerbaijani people, and politics of independent Azerbaijan is intended for the human factor. People first. A citizen of Azerbaijan, its safety, quiet life, well-being are in the foreground.
So today is a truly remarkable day. We meet on the beautiful ceremony. But I am sure that in the future there will be many more opening ceremonies. We will meet more times and rejoice together about these wonderful innovations. Congratulations”.
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