GANJA – Today, thanks to joint efforts between Azerbaijan and the United States, residents of Ganja city and Goranboy district celebrated the completion of a series of projects that built mini sport fields for local residents and a water access system. United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ministry of Economy, the local Executive Committee, and the municipal government representatives attended the two inauguration events. USAID and the Government of Azerbaijan co-financed the projects, which were managed by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI).

With technical support from EWMI, residents of Ganja city’s Natavan and Javadkhan neighborhoods constructed mini sport fields for resident use. The project will increase exercise opportunities and promote a healthy lifestyle for children and their families.  Nearly 11,500 residents will benefit from physical, physiological, and social development opportunities. Children and young people will no longer be forced to play in potentially dangerous places, such as roads and streets. 

In Goranboy’s Gushchular village, 856 residents have improved water access, helping them resolve long-standing non-potable water shortages. With technical support from EWMI, Gushchular residents installed a new water tank with a 20 metric ton capacity, digging 1,295 m of ditches, installing new water pipes, and constructing 15 road-side taps throughout the community. 

In total, EWMI has implemented 94 community projects in 83 Azerbaijani communities benefiting more than 142,500 people. Through USAID’s Socio-Economic Development Activity (SEDA) program, EWMI promotes cooperation between citizens, civil society organizations, and government to advance socio-economic development and improve quality of life in rural areas.