Kabul faces imminent water crisis with dire consequences for residents

In Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, a severe water crisis looms, with experts warning that the city could completely run out of water within five years if immediate actions are not taken. The situation has resulted from rapid population growth, which has surged from 2 million in 2000 to over 6 million by 2025, alongside detrimental impacts from climate change and poor management of water resources. Over the past decade, groundwater levels have decreased by as much as 30 meters, leading to the drying up of nearly half of the boreholes that serve as primary drinking water sources for residents. Local reports indicate that many households, particularly in affluent areas like Taimani, are forced to spend significant portions of their income on water. One resident noted spending a quarter of his salary on this essential resource, highlighting a dire choice faced by many families between purchasing water or buying food. Some individuals without the means to purchase water undertake arduous journeys to access public pumps located several kilometers away, underscoring the community's desperate struggle to secure basic needs, especially during the scorching summer months when apartment blocks may only receive water once or twice a week. The previous Afghan government, which collapsed in 2021, had received over $4 billion from international donors for water sector reforms; however, infrastructure development remains inadequate. Proposed solutions, such as the construction of the Shahtoot dam and a pipeline from the Panjshir River, were discussed under the prior administration, but significant investment and political commitment are now lacking. Experts have pointed out that these initiatives could resolve the crisis within a year and a half if pursued earnestly. International aid organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and UNICEF, have initiated projects to provide clean water access to vulnerable populations. Nevertheless, these efforts alone may not suffice to avert the looming disaster. Unless substantial government action is undertaken promptly and the proposed infrastructure projects are completed, it's anticipated that as many as 3 million residents—approximately half of Kabul's population—could be compelled to flee due to the ongoing water shortages, potentially sparking a surge in migration from the city.