LRRD Programme in Afghanistan

Whilst Kabul’s population is increasing on a daily basis, local officials seem unable to move ahead with the process of reconstruction. Authorities are unable to assume their responsibility and address urgent issues such as housing for the poor, water and electricity supply, drainage, roads, traffic congestion and general planning issues. There also seems to be little control over how the city’s boundaries are expanding.

This study looks at the current realities in Kabul today, and consequently how to best to
deal with Kabul's priorities? We have tried to identify sustainable dynamics and potential
polarities, the sensitive spots and difficult topics.

Kabul is the symbol of a country getting back on its feet. Kabul has an aura of intense activity, buildings are being built everywhere. One’s first impression of Kabul is often that of anarchical development. Rules are not respected, indeed the government and the municipality do not have the power to implement these rules. Standards and building regulations exist but are no longer taken into account. Likewise parts of the infrastructure network are still in place but are not functioning: they need to be rehabilitated. One of the most striking elements of Kabul today is its physical diversity. The contrasts are huge. Refugees are still living in tents or in destroyed buildings, sometimes alongside tall modern buildings.

When it comes to assess the urbanisation process Kabul turns out to be in a transitional
phase where emergency, rehabilitation and development phases are co-existing. These
different timeframes need to be taken into account in order to foresee and rebuild Kabul’s
future urban policy.