SABIRABAD – Today, due to joint efforts between Azerbaijan and the United States, residents of the Surra community of Sabirabad district celebrated the completion of a road renovation project.  The opening ceremony was attended by Mrs. Anne Cekuta, spouse of U.S. Ambassador Cekuta, along with representatives of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Ministry of Economy, the local Executive Committee, and the municipal government.  USAID and the Azerbaijani government co-financed the renovation of the road, which was managed by the East-West Management Institute (EWMI) in close cooperation with UMID, a local non-governmental organization.

”The United States is committed to helping the Azerbaijani people.” Mrs. Cekuta said during the opening ceremony.  “This project shows the sincere dedication the American people have to the people of Azerbaijan.” 

The renovated 500-meter road will improve living conditions for more than 1,300 people in the Surra community. The new road will reduce the time and cost of transportation, increase school attendance, improve emergency response time, and provide easier access to Sabirabad.

Following the opening ceremony in Surra, Mrs. Cekuta visited a kindergarten in Sabirabad’s Akhiska village.  Mrs. Cekuta enjoyed interacting with the children and presented them educational materials and toys.  The kindergarten was completely renovated and inaugurated in October 2015 by USAID and the Azerbaijani government under the Socio-Economic Development Activity (SEDA) program.  The improved school, with five rooms, a kitchen and corridor allows for safe and convenient education and care of 50 children.

In total, EWMI has implemented 91 community projects in 80 Azerbaijani communities benefiting more than 127,000 people.  Through USAID’s 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.