UN-Habitat Warns Half of Afghanistan’s Population Will Be Urban by 2060 Amid Infrastructure Challenges
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has announced that by 2060, approximately 50 percent of Afghanistan’s population is expected to live in cities. However, many of the country’s urban centers are not adequately prepared for this rapid urbanization.
The agency emphasized that the accelerating growth of urban populations highlights an urgent need for systematic planning, infrastructure development, and the establishment of safe and standardized living areas. According to UN-Habitat, without proper preparedness, cities will face challenges such as housing shortages, pressure on public services, and the expansion of informal settlements.
In recent years, migration from rural areas to cities has increased due to economic difficulties, climate change, and dwindling livelihood opportunities. Nevertheless, the lack of a comprehensive urban plan and insufficient investment in housing and urban services have raised concerns about the future of Afghan cities.
Urban planning experts state that creating suitable and safe living environments along with access to essential services like potable water, urban transportation, and sewage management are fundamental prerequisites for ensuring a decent quality of life in cities. Given that the Taliban administration has yet to present a clear and comprehensive urban development strategy, the need for serious attention to this sector is more crucial than ever.
UN-Habitat stresses that by prioritizing the creation of accessible and standardized environments, it is possible to build cities where all residents can enjoy a good quality of life.
