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Over AFN 221 Million Invested in Kabul’s Sanitation Strategy as New Project Is Launched

06.02.2020
Yesterday at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Afghanistan Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Cooperation (AUWSSC), the KfW German Development Bank and Dorsch International Consultants GmBH signed a contract for a concept study on sanitation in Kabul. In attendance were MoF Minister Mr Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi, AUWSSC Director General Mr Hamidullah Yelani, and KfW representatives Mr Sulaiman Salehi and Mr Richard Ellert as well as key stakeholders including the Mayor of Kabul, the Governor Mohammad Yaqub Haidari and representatives from the National Environment Protection Agency (NEPA). The Afghan-German Cooperation is providing AFN 144.3 million (EUR 1.7 million) in funding for the project and the Government of Afghanistan is contributing AFN 77 million (USD 1 million).

During the ceremony, Mr Humayon Qayoumi thanked Germany for its assistance and said, ‘I consider this to be one of the most important projects in Kabul. With the implementation of this project, the sanitation problems of the Kabul people will be resolved. All departments, including the Ministry of Finance, will work hard to better implement it.’

The new project, called Sanitation Concept Study for the City of Kabul, will help AUWSSC develop a road map and comprehensive strategy for Kabul’s future wastewater collection, treatment and disposal, including reuse options and storm water drainage.

Mr Yelani of AUWSSC said, ‘Today is good day for Kabul citizens. After decades, we are embarking on a new chapter and looking into the important topic of sanitation for the more than 4 million people who are currently suffering from the absence of a proper sanitation system.’

Currently, sanitation in the city relies on technologies which are inadequate for an urban setting: traditional dry toilets, flush toilets connected to seepage pits, and flush toilets connected to septic tanks. The sewage is collected by sludge tankers, operated by private firms.

Adequate sanitation and hygiene are very important for public health, as they reduce the spread of diarrhea and disease, and protect groundwater quality. Access to safe, adequate and equitable sanitation promotes dignity and is highlighted by Goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The study will be implemented over 14 months and will cover the entire area of Greater Kabul City, including all 22 districts. The study will prepare a concept for wastewater management in the city, which will improve the living conditions of the population in Kabul.

The KfW Development Bank implements the project ‘Sanitation Concept Study for the City of Kabul’ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The aim of the project is to develop and implement a strategy for Kabul’s wastewater management to ensure adequate sanitation for the city’s population.

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