The Land Bank database system development was muted at the start of 2018, to identify, undertake land inventory, cadastral mapping, and registration of State and public lands of Afghanistan. The pilot undertaking required the employment of Geo-spatial Land survey technologies embedded in the offices of The Independent Land Administration Authority in Afghanistan (ARAZI). ARAZI as a state agency is anchored by the Ministry of Urban Development and Lands (MUDL).

With increased technical staffing, equipment and establishment of the technology system, the land registry and clearance process has documented 5.6 Million Jeribs of State and public land that were undocumented or otherwise grabbed by warlords and returned to the custody of the Islamic republic of Afghanistan for its use. From these cleared lands, 37,265 Jeribs, have now been considered for IDP’s and Returnees in sixteen (16) Provinces of high returns.

Land demarcated for IDPs and returnees (ARAZI)

Surveyed State Land in 29 provinces. (ARAZI)

“In Sar-e-Pol Province, Landbank managed to survey approximately 188000 jaribs of state lands which from this amount some lands are allocated for Energy, infrastructure development of solar stations, electrical substations, and for Teachers townships. For Education and Health purposes and 800 jaribs is to be transferred to Sar-e-Pol Municipality for planning and designing of returnee’s townships” Said MOHSEN AREFI Landbank Manager, Sar-e-Pol Province.

Sar-e-Pol surveyed land (AREFI)

Land Inventory (Land bank)

SECURING STATE LAND BY ZONING AND MASTER PLANNING

It is not enough, that the land registered is available for reintegration development at scale. In order to develop and grow the resettlement sites, the spatial location is of the essence, and therefore, lands made available for returnees and IDP resettlements, are chosen as close as possible to economic centers. Saadat and Eltefat are two ongoing cases that are “success stories” of land allocated for IDP’s and returnees primarily focusing on resettlement and reintegration purposes. Detailed survey, collaborative Master planning process, the inclusion of local authorities in decision-making process enables security of the site and prevents land grabbing. Development of such lands with housing, amenities and facilities through participatory process creates opportunities for both the beneficiaries and local people.

PILOT SITE 01

Saadat Township is located in Zenda Jan district in Herat province. A site located close to Herat Islam Qala Highway the site can capitalize on the Railway network connecting to Iran along the Northside of the site. One of the prerequisites for settlers is provision of safe water for living purposes, construction and agriculture purposes. The initial water infrastructure is already in place at Saadat enabling construction and agriculture. Towards the southern side of the site, Harirud River passes through which is being integrated in the development plan as a source of water and for leisure. The site also has existing 70 families, a school, and a small clinic.

Masterplan of Saadat Township (SHURA)

PILOT SITE 02

Eltefat Township is located in Shakar Dara District to the North of Kabul. This site is surrounded by mountains and villages and has a gentle slope towards the south. The proposed Kabul ring road passes from the southeast side of the site, increasing access to Kabul residents and enabling faster development of the site. Kabul city is meant to grow towards the North towards the Eltefat site as per the Kabul SASAKI Masterplan, immensely adding value to the location of Eltifat site in the near future.

Masterplan of Eltifat (SHURA)

DESIGNING FOR INCREMENTAL GROWTH

Both the sites have water infrastructure necessary for the construction and agriculture process. Availability of local construction materials, techniques have been studied and included in the design of the settlements. The proposed growth is to be incremental in nature, with an inclusive approach at all levels of Master planning and development stages the settlement is meant to accommodate 16000 returnees and IDP families. Each family will have a plot and title deed empowering them with a sense of property value and motivation to settle and participate in the development and growth of the townships.

Water and solar infrastructure at Saadat Township (SHURA)