The United Large Cities Water Supply Service, operating under the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, has launched a large-scale project to relocate water and sewage lines situated beneath residential buildings across seven streets in Baku. This initiative aims to address infrastructure risks caused by illegal constructions built directly over critical utility corridors.
According to information provided by the Operative Information Center-OMM citing the Service, houses in several areas of the capital were built illegally within the protection zones of main drinking water and wastewater pipelines. Consequently, these lines, which have either completed their service life or cannot withstand the weight of the structures above them, are frequently failing and causing service disruptions.
Bakıda yeni avtomobil yolunun tikintisi davam etdirilir - FOTO
One such case was recorded on Tomris and Zeytun streets in the Bilajari settlement. Due to houses being built over the collector and residents connecting individual sewage lines directly to the main line, the existing infrastructure became unusable and is now being replaced. The Service previously issued warnings to residents, emphasizing that structures in protection zones pose serious risks, as overloading can destroy infrastructure and cause significant damage to residential properties.
Currently, the relocation of the damaged wastewater collector is being carried out along a new route covering parts of Atropat, Tomris, Atilla, Kahriz, and Yashar Sadigov streets. A new 1,152-meter main line is being constructed to replace the old 1,000 mm diameter collector, with 1,068 meters already completed. The project includes 22 manholes, 14 of which are finished, and the installation of 2,304 meters of subscriber lines. Additionally, a 1,050-meter sewage collector with a 300 mm diameter will be built to ensure the system is fully operational.
Similar interventions are underway in the Yasamal district on Habib bey Salimov Street, where 48 meters of new line were commissioned following an accident caused by building loads. In the Narimanov district, specifically on Shahin Mustafayev Street in the Montin residential area, a new line is being excavated using specialized equipment due to the rocky terrain, as the original line remains inaccessible beneath residential structures.
The modernization of water infrastructure remains a priority for the government of Azerbaijan as part of its urban development strategy. By rerouting these essential services, the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency aims to minimize water loss, prevent environmental hazards, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the capital's utility network amid rapid urban expansion.
