About Transparency in Azersu

Questions to enhance transparency in the provision of water were considered during the roundtable, which was held on Wednesday at the International Press Center.

The discussion, which was attended by representatives of the state water company JSC Azersu, other government organizations and experts, was organized by the Public Association for the Fight against Corruption Transparent Azerbaijan.

The spokesperson of Azersu, Anar Jabrayil informed about the achievements and current activities of the company, including the expansion of coverage for water supply, the introduction of water measuring meters, reconstruction and laying of sewerage infrastructure, and reduction of complaints from users.

According to Azersu, as of January 1, 2015, 750 000 subscribers had meters, of which 352 000 had smart card meters. Overall, the coverage of users with meters was 57%.

"This performance is poor, compared to how things work in the electricity and gas distribution companies, where coverage with meters has reached almost 100%," said the independent expert Alekper Agasiyev.

As directed by the President of the country, the program of implementation of meters was announced in May 2006 and presumed the full coverage of consumers with meters before the end of 2008. The lack of meters at almost half a million subscribers makes the work less transparent and more unprofitable. This also leads to abuse on the part of the company, especially in the context of large state investments in this area. In the years 2005-2014 the development of the infrastructure of the company was allocated 1.4 billion manat from the state budget and $ 400 million from international creditors.

At the round table there was no response to the question about the fate of the state project to fully provide Baku suburbs with drinking water and sewage system by the end of 2013. Most of the settlements have not received either of these.

The Director of Turan IA, Mehman Aliyev raised a question about the high cost of smart card meters, which are estimated by Azersu at 247 manat or $ 314. Aliyev said that he sent a request to purchase 300 000 smart meters abroad and received an offer for delivery of the meters at an average price of $ 30 apiece. He also raised the issue of a formal approach to the conclusion of agreements on services between the company and the consumers. "They no longer meet the requirements of the law "On Water Supply" and the Regulation of the Cabinet.”

The lawyer of the NGO Transparent Azerbaijan, Ayten Alizamanly presented amendments and additions to the rules on water supply of the Cabinet and standard contracts in order to increase accountability and transparency of the water company, as well as strengthening the consumer rights protection.

The results were subject to discussion. -0-