Rational

Current population of Kabul is estimated to be well above four million people. It is in envisaged that Kabul population will rise to eight million people by 2025. According to a comprehensive water study by JICA existing underground water availability in Kabul city is to the tune of 166 million cubic meters per year which suffices for only five million people with an average of 90 liters per person per day(instead of international standard of 120 liters per person per day). Therefore, it is crucial to cater the water needs of the extra three million people through other means. The site for the new city can take a maximum of three million people and utilizes the water of a different basin, namely Panjsher fan Aquifer.

Other major problems resulting from rapid population growth includes very high unemployment rate, housing crisis, lack of proper infrastructure and pollution of all sorts. The New City project generates hundreds of thousands of skilled and unskilled jobs on temporary and permanent bases, provides around 250,000 housing units, improves the infrastructure of greater Kabul and lessens pollution through eco-system measures. It also plays an important role in keeping a stable economic growth in the country.

The project, therefore, is the biggest development initiative of Afghanistan which enjoys the full support of Afghan Government, Parliament, private sector and civil society.

Without this project, the current problems facing Kabul will only worsen. Living conditions will deteriorate beyond the tolerance level. With inadequate and unplanned urban infrastructure and social services, informal housing areas will spread. Serious traffic congestion, high crime, unsanitary conditions, and acute water shortages will plague all the citizens who live and work in Kabul.

Role of Stakeholders

The DCDA is established to create a pro-business environment with legislation favorable to private investors. As a single regulatory and management authority it supervises the project, clears the land and builds the basic infrastructure of the city. Private investors, interested in the development of different parts of the city through competitive ways, will only deal with DCDA as a one-stop shop.

According to the Master Plan, Private Sector shares around 70% financial needs of the New City Development. Also investment from the Afghan Government and Donors will be channeled through private sector contractors in different sectors such as roads, power, water etc....

Development Process

The Master Plan shall be implemented in the following three phases over 15 years:
Phase-I: 2010-2015
Phase-II: 2016-2020
Phase-III: 2021-2025

The priority projects of Phase 1 include:

1. Development of approximately 80,000 housing units to accommodate 400,000 people in Dehsabz South. The urban structure plan for this is already complete. Within this area, the procurement of Parcels 1 & 2, accommodating a total of 18,400 housing units with some commercial, soft-industrial and public facilities was launched in early 2011.
2. Development of Barikab Agricultural Economic Zone, which covers approximately 33 km².
3. Development of Main Infrastructure to the entire new city, including water, electricity and transportation.
4. Preservation of existing villages in Kabul New City Area, development of Central Park, Greenbelt and other minor projects.
5. Planning & Design of Phase II and Phase III.

The implementation of the above projects is expected to take place mostly through competitive tendering and contracting in conformity with the procurement Law of Afghanistan. Bidders are expected to submit their proposals in compliance with DCDA’s legislation, approved master plan, Phase 1 Structure Plan, Parcel 1 concept plan, Urban Development Guidelines and Interim Building Code.

Conditions for the Implementation of KNC Master Plan Phase 1 (2010-2015)

The realization of the above-mentioned programs depends on certain conditions, some of which are beyond DCDA control.

On time and quality implementation of the projects depends on the following conditions:

1. DCDA to become a Corporation.
2. Provision of seed capital for the implementation of the projects, especially for land acquisition and small starter projects.
3. Provision of enough budgets for DCDA annual operations.
4. Continued technical support of JICA and related government agencies.
5. Qualified and enough number of experts as per the DCDA organizational structure.
6. Improvement of security conditions, which is a key incentive for private sector involvement.
7. Strong and continued government support towards the project at the highest level.
8. Provision of investor friendly environment through viable and attractive terms and conditions.
9. Active and sustained government agencies’ participation in the completion of associated projects within the New City.
10. Acceleration of the land clearance and acquisition process through the relevant government agencies.
11. Availability of sufficient temporary water resources for construction purposes and short term occupancy.
12. Increased quality private sector interest in the design and implementation of the projects.