Celebrations were held in Turkmenistan on 13 September to mark inauguration of a number of social-economic facilities in Esenguly district of Balkan province. The construction of facilities started in spring 2007 as part of the project on development of the social-economic infrastructure of this remote place of the Caspian region.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov paid a working visit to Balkan province to attend the official opening ceremony. The head of state delivered a short speech there. In conclusion, he said 30 ambulances would be sent to the region, 4 of which will go to Esenguly district.

A 27-meter high memorial obelisk with the state flag flying on its top was opened at the entrance to the administrative center, the highest place of the district, the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports. New buildings of the regional administration, Palace of Culture, Health Center, a regional hospital with the maternity ward, a kindergarten were also commissioned in the province. There were also inaugurated a stadium and a recreation center with modern training equipment bought in St Petersburg. New multimedia schools were built in Esenguly as well as Chekishler and Garadegish villages. Old schools and primary educational establishments were also reconstructed there. The Turkmenhaly (Turkmen carpet) state joint-stock association built a carpet plant in Esenguly district.

The official dinner was organized in the center of the village for the head of state and guests. A film about history of Esenguly district was demonstrated on large TV monitors, and a gala concert by masters of art was performed. Spectacular fireworks wrapped up the official opening ceremony.