Western Azerbaijan - Today, due to joint efforts between Azerbaijan and the United States, residents of Fakhrali village of Goranboy district and Lek village of Samukh district celebrated the completion of water access improvement projects in the two communities. The opening ceremonies were attended by representatives of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ministry of Economy, the local Executive Committee, and the municipal government. The projects were co-financed by USAID and the Government of Azerbaijan and implemented under the Socio-Economic Development Activity (SEDA) by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI).

These projects will improve living and sanitary conditions for nearly 4,400 residents in the villages of Fakhrali and Lek, helping resolve long-standing shortages of non-potable water. This project will alleviate the struggle of women and children to carry water from distant wells for daily use. With technical support from EWMI, the Fakhrali community installed 11,600 meters of new pipes and a new 50-ton water tank while the Lek community installed 3,370 meters of new pipes and a new 10-ton water tank. 

In total, EWMI has implemented 85 community projects in 75 communities benefiting more than 115,000 people around Azerbaijan. Through SEDA, EWMI promotes cooperation between citizens, civil society organizations, and government to advance socio-economic development and improve quality of life rural areas.