The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) says that the city of Zaranj, capital of Nimroz Province, has grown three times larger over the past two decades.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 14, the agency said that within just 20 years, the built-up area of Zaranj has expanded more than threefold.
It added that when urban expansion is guided by smart city planning and investment, such growth can lead to healthier housing and improved living conditions for all residents.
UN-Habitat has previously reported similar unplanned expansion in cities such as Herat, Firozkoh, Mazar-i-Sharif, and Qalat, among others.
The agency also noted that by 2060, half of Afghanistan’s population is expected to live in urban areas.
