MP says state-only funding of rebuilding not sustainable

Azerbaijani lawmaker Razi Nurullayev said full state financing of reconstruction in territories liberated from occupation is not a sustainable long-term model, speaking at a Feb. 24 session of the National Assembly.

He said housing, infrastructure and utilities for resettled residents are currently largely funded by the state, but limited job opportunities and weak economic activity have led some people to return after relocating.

Nurullayev argued the state should focus on creating infrastructure — including roads, utilities, schools and hospitals — while housing construction should be carried out gradually by citizens themselves under state supervision and preferential mechanisms, which he said would be more cost-effective and socially sustainable.

He also called for broader involvement of the private sector and improved conditions for small and medium-sized businesses, adding that settlements should be developed with functional zoning and alternative town-type residential areas for those not engaged in agriculture.

Gulnar Nazimgizi