UN-Habitat and Japan Support Vital Infrastructure Projects in Herat
Several vulnerable families in Afghanistan’s Herat province have taken part in critical infrastructure rehabilitation projects supported by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and financially backed by Japan.
The initiatives—rebuilding roads, canals, and other essential infrastructure—have been carried out under a “Cash-for-Work” program. Participants are paid in exchange for undertaking construction and civil engineering tasks. This approach has not only provided temporary income for disadvantaged households but also facilitated the restoration of systems vital to community functioning.
Amid ongoing political instability and international sanctions that have hampered the Taliban-led administration’s ability to deliver basic services, international organizations—particularly those supported by donor countries like Japan—have played a key role in sustaining the social and economic fabric in western Afghanistan.
Local residents say the program has done more than just offer financial relief; it has also fostered a sense of responsibility and social cohesion within their communities. However, the lack of consistent support and challenges posed by the country’s volatile political environment continue to hinder the broader expansion of such initiatives.
