3 townships being built in Kandahar for returnees

KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): Three townships are being built for returning refugees in southern Kandahar province, where work is already underway on one housing complex in Daman district.

Urban Development and Housing Director Mullah Abdul Matin Ashiq told Pajhwok Afghan News initial work on the townships was progressing on 700 acres of land in Daman district. It will be completed in two phases.

He revealed 12.5 million afghanis had been earmarked for the project, which would include water pipes, schools, mosques, parks and other essential facilities.

According to him, all necessary amenities are being incorporated into this housing complex.

The plots will be divided into three categories, small, medium and large. Families with more members will receive large plots, while smaller households will be allotted small plots.

He also added that land ownership certificates will be provided to these families, but they will be responsible for building their houses at their own cost. However, if any family is unable to construct a house, the central commission will offer consultation and, if possible, assist with the construction process.

Ashiq appealed to organisations and charity foundations to cooperate in building homes for the returning families, as they still needed significant support.

He added that land surveys were currently underway for two additional housing complexes in the Takhta-i-Pul and Zherai districts of Kandahar.

He added, "In Takhta-i-Pul and Zherai, surveys are ongoing for 1,500 acres of land in each district, where further housing complexes will be constructed. We are working to provide land to more returning families that don’t have shelter."

Meanwhile, residents who do not own land or houses stressed the need for land as well, saying they too had a right to shelter.

Abdullah, a resident of the district, remarked: "It’s a very good initiative that land is being provided to refugees, but we too should be given land to build our own homes. We are also homeless and have been living in others' houses for years."

Workers involved in the construction of the housing complex in Daman expressed their satisfaction with job opportunities, noting their contribution to the country’s development.

One worker, Izzatullah, said: "Currently, we are building roads and bridges for this housing complex. We are happy having been given the opportunity to work here. We have returned from different countries."

Recently, hundreds of thousands of Afghans have returned home from neighbouring countries. Many of them are homeless.

However, officials have affirmed their commitment to acquiring land for building homes for the returning families.

sa/mud