Kabul 6 February 2017 - UN-Habitat will support the redevelopment of the Kabul riverfront in the historic core of the city. UN-Habitat’s Urban Planning and Design Lab together with UN-Habitat’s Afghanistan Country Office presented last week the first concept public space design for the Kabul riverfront in the centre of the city.

Several meetings were held with relevant stakeholders, Kabul Municipality, central government and city council representatives and non-profit organizations. The proposal and its concepts for walkability, reorganization of current activities, water and waste management, materialisation and vegetation were all discussed.

The historic Murad Khani district in the centre of Kabul, one of the most popular and dynamic destinations within the city, will be connected with pedestrianized streets. Cultural, economic, social and environmental issues will be addressed by the design that will set an example of a high quality public space in Kabul. It aims to meet international standards and to apply local materials and craftsmanship.

In addition to that, the intervention will constitute a pilot project for the redevelopment of the entire riverfront across the city and the recovery of the inner course of the river. The Mayor of Kabul, Abdullah Habibzai, welcomed the plan emphasizing its contribution to the vision of the city and introduced “Complete Street Design” concepts into Kabul’s urbanscape, and assured the Municipal support during and after implementation.

In the following months UN-Habitat, in conjunction with municipal authorities and local NGOs will facilitate participation and social mobilization in the area. The project will be realized within the framework of the Clean and Green Cities Programme, and it is expected to break ground in April 2017.