Water scarcity is a critical factor for Azerbaijan, and reducing water losses should be a top priority, said Smita Misra, Senior Water Supply and Sanitation Specialist at the World Bank, Report informs.
Speaking at an event in Baku titled "Transitioning to Efficient Water Sector Institutions and Programs for Addressing Water Security Challenges," Misra emphasized the urgency of the situation.
"Given the adoption of a seawater desalination program in Baku, it is crucial to reduce water losses in the capital to an economically viable level (20-30%)," Misra noted. "This can be done within the framework of a results-based public-private partnership. The first key step to bringing in the necessary expertise, ‘know-how’, and financial resources from the private sector is to prepare a feasibility study for the city of Baku."