Afghanistan: As Kabul Grows, Clean Water a Step Toward State Legitimacy in Afghanistan

Mar 28, 2018 | Mohammad Shoaib Haidary, Asia Foundation
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In 2050, Kabul’s population is expected to reach 9 million, making it one of the fastest growing cities in the world. People are flocking to the capital due to an overall trend in urbanization, especially for increased job possibilities and more opportunity. Some are fleeing the threat of insecurity in the countryside (despite a recent rise in deadly attacks in the capital), others are refugees returning. For whatever reason, Kabul is overflowing, and the competition for shrinking resources is fierce, with the battle over water perhaps the most severe.