Azerbaijan, Baku, March 18 / Trend A.Akhundov /
Demographic growth and higher incomes will further drive waste generation in Azerbaijan, particularly in the Greater Baku area and waste generation is projected to double in the next 20 years, according to the World Bank (WB) report published on its website on Monday.
Waste generation in Greater Baku area reached an estimated total of 1.8 million tons per year in 2012. The Greater Baku area's population is expected to continue growing at an average annual rate of approximately 1.3 per cent, reaching about 4.3 million in 2030, the WB indicated with the reference to the Ekodenge Strategic Plan Consultant Report 2012.
WB predicts approximately 3.8 per cent GDP growth during 2013-16. To sustain this growth, Azerbaijan will need to diversify its economy, introduce market-based policies and strengthen public services.
The WB implements an Integrated Solid Waste Management Project in Azerbaijan. The bank's board of directors will approve additional funding for this project on May 30, 2013.
The project closes on September 30, 2013. However an extension of the project for three years until 30 September 2016 will be required for the completion of work under the additional funding.
The project was approved by the World Bank's board of directors in June 2008. Its implementation began in 2009. The total project cost is $41.5 million of which $29.5 million falls on the WB loan and the rest is funded by the government of Azerbaijan. The loan has a term of 20 years.