UN-Habitat Warns of Worrisome Rapid Urban Growth in Afghanistan
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has expressed concern over the accelerated growth of cities in Afghanistan, emphasizing that urban development must be carried out in a measured and well-planned manner.
According to the agency, although the size of smaller cities in Afghanistan is rapidly increasing, physical expansion alone is insufficient to meet the residents’ needs. The organization states that a lack of urban planning results in inequality, weak service delivery, and a decline in the quality of urban life.
UN-Habitat, stressing urban justice, calls for investment in sustainable and inclusive urbanization that enables all, especially vulnerable groups, to benefit equally. The international agency says that well-planned cities form the foundation of social and economic development in every country.
It is noteworthy that currently most Afghan cities are facing shortages of essential services such as drinking water, healthcare, electricity, and shelter. However, instead of urban planning and management, the Taliban administration has focused more on restricting freedoms and enforcing strict policies, making urban life more difficult for millions of Afghan citizens.
