UN: Afghan Cities Unprepared for Rapid Urban Growth
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) announced that many cities in Afghanistan are not adequately prepared for the increasing wave of urbanization. The agency warned on Tuesday, February 17, that if this trend continues, challenges related to housing, urban services, and infrastructure will intensify.
According to the program, it is projected that by 2060, one in every two people will live in cities; a change that requires long-term planning and substantial investment in housing, transportation, drinking water, and other essential services.
In its statement, the agency emphasized: “By prioritizing the creation of suitable and safe living environments, we can build cities where everyone enjoys a decent quality of life.” This emphasis comes amid many urban residents suffering from a lack of basic services and the expansion of informal settlements.
UN-Habitat had previously reported that over four million people in Afghanistan will require shelter by 2026. This figure highlights that the housing crisis is among the country’s most serious social challenges.
The international organization has repeatedly warned about the unplanned growth of cities, an issue that calls for effective policymaking and accountable urban management by the Taliban administration. However, the absence of clear urban planning and limitations in resource access have heightened concerns about the future of Afghanistan’s cities.
