UN Warns Afghan Cities Are Unprepared for Rapid Urbanization
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has issued a warning about the accelerating urbanization in Afghanistan, stating that many of the country’s cities lack the capacity and readiness to manage this demographic shift.
On Wednesday, August 5, the agency announced that it is expected that by 2060, half of Afghanistan’s population will live in urban areas. According to UN-Habitat, this change will place immense pressure on urban infrastructure and services.
UN-Habitat emphasized that without effective planning, cities will face challenges such as inadequate basic services, poor housing, and a decline in quality of life.
The agency highlighted the urgent need to prioritize creating safe and suitable urban living environments and to implement sustainable urban development planning. Such measures are critical to managing the increasing urban population in a way that ensures improved and higher quality living conditions for residents.
UN-Habitat, a specialized program of the United Nations focused on urban development and improving living conditions in cities, has previously warned about infrastructural challenges and service shortages in Afghan cities.
