Overcrowding, chaos haunt Asadabad

ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Some residents of Asadabad, the capital of eastern Kunar province, are concerned at overcrowding and disorder in the city, hindering their ability to manage daily activities effectively.

Several residents say the city is small, ill-planned and has a population far exceeding its capacity, leading to significant congestion and chaos.

Shaukatullah Itimadi, a resident, told Pajhwok Afghan News that recent construction in Asadabad had been carried out in violation of the city’s master plan.

He added the city’s population hadincreased, further contributing to the growing disorder.

He said: “Over the past few years, 95 per cent of construction projects in Asadabad have been executed in violation of the master plan. The city is so small, and the number of people has soared, making it difficult to manage.”

Hamidullah Zwakman, another resident, explained overcrowding and traffic congestion impeded emergency responses, particularly transportation ofpatients to hospital.

“When we take a patient to hospital, we often wait for hours because of traffic congestion. The city’s limited space and the overwhelming number of people and vehicles make the situation even worse,” he noted.

Zwakman suggested if the government did not demolish the existing infrastructure and build a new city according to the master plan, the issues of overcrowding and disorder wouldpersist and become even more challenging.

Ibrahim Bacha, a representative from the first district of Asadabad, acknowledged the population growth and suggested the government focus on expanding the city’s circular roads and pedestrian pathways, as well as constructing overhead bridges.

Meanwhile, Mayor Mullah Nazar Mohammad Attiq also admitted the city’s small size and growing population haddeepened the disorder and overcrowding.

He said: “Indeed, in recent years, all construction in the city has been carried out in disregard of the master plan. Footpaths are narrow and the city’s expansion is limited. We are working to prevent further illegal construction.”

The mayor added efforts were underway to build four major bridges at different locations, which were expected to help alleviate the congestion and muddle in Asadabad to some extent.

sa/mud