Money was allocated to Azersu, but no avail - expert opinion

Baku/06.05.21/Turan: "The point is that “persons like Gorkhmaz” (meaning the former chairman of Azersu) can take office and be dismissed; however, the management depends on the system, not on the person."

This was stated by economist Zohrab Ismayil while commenting on the Order of President Ilham Aliyev on the dismissal of Gorkhmaz Huseynov, Chairman of Azersu OJSC, in the program Chetin Sual (Difficult Question) of Turan News Agency on May 6.

It should be noted that President Ilham Aliyev signed an order on May 4, 2021, dismissing Gorkhmaz Huseynov, Chairman of the Board of Azersu OJSC.

Economist Zohrab Ismayil believes that although billions were invested in this area during Gorkhmaz Huseynov's leadership of the country's water system, no serious results have been achieved.

According to him, on the one hand, budget funds were allocated, on the other hand, funds were received from relevant international organizations; however, in spite of all this, the country's drinking water supply was not successful: "Therefore, it is now clear that persons like Gorkhmaz Huseynov were toy figures, they made millions for themselves by embezzling and looting money," said Ismayil.

As for the dismissal of this person at present, Zohrab Ismayil believes that this is due in part to the situation because there are no large sums of money to be given to Azersu OJSC, and on the other hand, the priority is no longer state-owned companies, but large-scale construction and restoration works in Karabakh.

The expert said that in his opinion, the lack of serious innovations in the water supply system was due to the lack of management in this area. He said that Azersu OJSC both manages water sources and organizes the sale of water, however, the producer cannot be a seller.

Zohrab Ismayil believes that supply issues can be delegated to any company, and it is possible to achieve some progress by subordinating water lines in different directions to individual companies.

The economist added that if the management continues like this, no matter who takes office, it will not be able to change the current situation.

According to the economist, it is impossible for the government to be unaware that the head of Azersu has set up 10 companies for himself, and it seems that someone has either used the loopholes in the law or the opportunity created.

As for the possibility of Azersu’s being purchased by a foreign investor, the expert says that he does not believe that a joint-stock company with billions in debt can be purchased by any investor.

According to Ismayil, the way out of the situation is to carry out comprehensive reforms, and there is no other way to do it.

He also said that with so much debt, it is incomprehensible that Azersu OJSC will build an office building worth 120 million manats. -05B-