EU sounds alarm on worsening water crisis in Afghanistan

The European Union Delegation to Afghanistan has expressed concern over the worsening water crisis in the country, emphasizing the need to protect lakes and groundwater for future generations.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, July 27, the organization highlighted that drought, pollution, and excessive water use are threatening the country’s water resources.

According to the EU Delegation in Afghanistan, “Together, we can build a safer Afghanistan and world in the face of water challenges.”

The organization noted that approximately 80% of the population in Afghanistan lacks adequate access to drinking water and urged, “Let us protect our rivers, lakes, and groundwater for future generations.”

Previously, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had warned of the water scarcity crisis in Afghanistan, stating that this challenge affects millions of people.

The UNDP identified severe drought, economic instability, the damaging effects of prolonged conflicts, and climate change as key factors exacerbating the crisis in Afghanistan.

In Kabul, the drought and lack of potable water are particularly severe, compounding the daily struggles of residents. The city faces a critical shortage of clean drinking water, with many areas relying on unsafe sources or purchasing expensive bottled water. This shortage not only affects public health but also exacerbates existing socio-economic issues.

Efforts to address the water crisis in Kabul are hampered by ongoing conflicts and political instability, making it difficult to implement effective solutions.

The situation calls for urgent international support and coordinated efforts to develop sustainable water management systems and infrastructure to alleviate the severe water scarcity faced by the city’s population.