Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Enhanced Integrated Framework ...

Executive SummaryWater Resources ManagementThe Government will implement the integrated Water Resources Management and river basin managementapproaches to planning and developing water resources in the short and medium-term. The ANDS strategic goalis to manage and develop the water resources in the country, so as to reduce poverty, increase sustainableeconomic and social development, and improve the quality of life for all Afghans and ensure an adequate supplyof water for future generations.Agriculture accounts for 95 percent of water consumption. In the 1970s, some 3.6 million hectares werecultivated using various irrigation methods. At present only about 1.3 million hectares of land are beingirrigated. Of this, only 10 percent is being irrigated using properly engineered systems with the remainderdependent on traditional irrigation methods, some of these based on run-offs from or use of aquifers that arebeing degraded by deep water wells and insufficient investment in recharge basins. Irrigated land has threetimes the productivity of rain-fed land. Out of 8.3 million hectares of arable land in Afghanistan, 5.8 millionhectares is potentially irrigable. Irrigation water management is one of the highest priorities of the Government.Significant investment has gone into rehabilitating damaged or degraded irrigation systems, but little has beendone in terms of making new investments needed to increase efficiency in water use and new water supply. Oneof the highest priorities of the Government is developing irrigations dams, such as the Kokcha, Gambiri, andKama dams.The rehabilitation of traditional and existing irrigation structures will remain an important priority and willdeliver much-needed quick returns in terms of increasing agricultural production and reducing poverty ratesamong rural households. To address the large gap in access to drinking water and sanitation services, theGovernment will give high priority to the provision of rural water supply and sanitation projects. In the mediumto longer-term, the Government will complete hydrological surveys and build new dams with the aim ofreclaiming agricultural land.Information and Communications Technology (ICT)The ANDS strategic goal for this sector is to provide equitable access for 80 percent of the country and for mostpopulated areas to be covered by 1389 (2010). The priorities of the ICT sector will be to finalize the Fiber OpticCable and Copper Cable Network projects, expanding access to high-speed data services throughout thecountry, and extending mobile phone coverage. The implementation of national ICT legislation, to create anenabling environment for the development of the sector, will be necessary to stimulate further private-sectorinvestment. The ICT Council, through the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT),will work to expand government capacity, improve governance, and reduce corruption, by pursuing movestoward e-government. The private-sector is expected to make additional large investments in thetelecommunication sector.Urban DevelopmentEffective management of the rapid urbanization process will make a significant contribution to the recovery ofthe country. Through the ANDS PDP process, eight major City Development Plans were developed. The ANDSstrategic objective is to ensure increased access to improved services and affordable shelter, while promotingsustainable economic growth through the implementation of the National Urban Program, which includes theNational Land Policy and the City Development Plans. Outcomes will include: (i) strengthened municipalcapacity to manage urban development and deliver services; (ii) improved institutional coordination andmonitoring of key urban indicators; (iii) increased access to basic services for urban households; (iv) phasedregularization of tenure for 50 percent of households living in informal settlements; (v) upgrading publicservices and facilities, including new urban area development including the development of a new city on theDeh-Sabz north of the existing city of Kabul; (vi) increased availability of affordable shelter, including a 50percent increase in numbers of housing units and 30 percent increase in area of serviced land on the market,coupled with access to affordable finance; and (vii) improved urban environment with green areas and openspaces.13