Methods for improvement of informal settlement in Kabul City, Afghanistan

Abstract

Afghanistan witnessed rapid urbanization in recent decades due to the post-war recovery process. When the war ended in 2001 by the fall of Taliban regime, most of Afghans refugees returned back to urban areas of Afghanistan especially in Kabul city. Moreover, the rapid urbanization, migration from rural areas and population growth impacted on Kabul city with the manifestation of informal settlement. Informal settlement in Kabul city refers to the housing and settlement which built up in violation of the master plan of Kabul city. The problems of the informal settlement are considerable challenges to the informal residents and government. Thus, this research aims to investigate the identification of methods for improvement of the informal settlement in District 13 of Kabul city. In order to reach the aim of the research, field survey interview has been conducted with 22 Afghan government officials, and questionnaire survey has been conducted with 200 residents of District 13 of Kabul city. The gathered data includes both qualitative data and quantitative data. The content analysis has been used to analyze qualitative data, and the frequency analysis has been used to analyze the quantitative data. The finding on the built environment problems posed by informal settlement in District 13 are lack of drainage system and sewage system, lack of solid waste management, unpaved narrow street, lack of open spaces, recreation and greenery, lack of water supply and pollution of underground water. Moreover, different factors leading to growth of informal settlement are rapid increase of population, and limited capacity of government. Finally, through the resident’s preferences, government capacity, and District 13 physical condition, the research suggests three methods which can be used for the improvement of the informal settlement in District 13 of Kabul city which is settlement upgrading as the first option, the land readjustment as the second option and urban redevelopment as the last option. This research is essential and has significance for the government of Afghanistan and the informal residents, through enhancing the information and awareness of the government officials towards the need, preferences and most problems of informal settlements.