Farah City Expands Fivefold Over 24 Years, Presenting Both Opportunities and Challenges
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has announced that Farah city, the capital of Farah province in western Afghanistan, has expanded fivefold over the past 24 years; a trend that poses both opportunities and challenges.
According to the international organization, urban expansion leads to progress only when guided by urban planning and smart investment. Such an approach helps improve city services, reduce inequalities, and create healthy environments for all residents.
However, the absence of coherent urban policies and weak public service management in recent years, especially under Taliban rule, has raised concerns about unbalanced city growth and increased pressure on urban infrastructure.
Emphasizing the future of cities, UN-Habitat urges responsible authorities and development partners to prioritize long-term planning and targeted investment to build sustainable cities in Afghanistan.
