UN Urges Greater International Support for Afghanistan’s Infrastructure Projects
In a joint meeting between the Deputy Minister of Urban Development and Housing of Afghanistan and the representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kabul, emphasis was placed on expanding international cooperation in Afghanistan’s infrastructure projects, particularly water supply services in Kabul.
Christian Dorffel, UNDP official in Kabul, stated during the meeting that he had come to the ministry to assess water supply services, consult private sector institutions, and seek technical advice. He added that the United Nations is ready to coordinate with private investors to help improve water delivery to Kabul residents.
Dorffel also proposed that the World Bank should work in coordination with the private sector to address Kabul’s chronic water shortage. He highlighted the advisory role of the Ministry of Urban Development as crucial in this effort.
In response, Sheikh Madar Ali Karimi Bamiani, Deputy Minister for Urban Affairs of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, called water one of the most vital needs of the people, especially in densely populated Kabul. He stressed that the ministry is prepared to cooperate and support private investors in all sectors, particularly water supply services.
Bamiani urged international organizations and the World Bank to increase their support for Afghanistan’s structural projects. He added that the Taliban administration backs these initiatives and that relevant bodies are fully prepared to collaborate with international teams.
At the conclusion of the meeting, engineers from the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing presented their technical proposals and views, both in written and oral form, on improving Kabul’s water supply system. Further technical evaluations to accelerate actions are scheduled for the next meeting.
Kabul, with its growing population and aging infrastructure, is considered one of the most vulnerable cities in terms of water resource management. The Taliban administration has yet to provide an effective response to this basic need, highlighting the urgent requirement for international support and comprehensive planning.
