9 May 2021. UN-Habitat is supporting the Government of Afghanistan to implement a new street addressing system in Kabul, Jalalabad and Mazar-i-sharif cities. The project is part of the City for All (CFA) programme, a flagship action of the Urban National Priority Programme that was launched in 2016. The CFA programme is funded by USAID and the EU.

The street addressing system is aimed at improving the efficiency of basic urban services including transport and mobility, water and sanitation, electricity distribution, as well as security and emergency services such as police, ambulance, and fire services. It will also enable online commerce and other location-based services like retailing and postal services.

A UN-Habitat team recently visited Jalalabad and Mazar-i-sharif cities to launch the street addressing projects. During the launch ceremony in Jalalabad city, the Governor of Nangahar, Mr. Said Ziaulhaq Amarkhil had this to say “We are very happy for the implementation of this important project. Jalalabad municipality will install about 3,000 street signs and 40,000 house plates in five districts of Jalalabad city.  I am asking the residents of Jalalabad city to support the project and to protect the street signs and house plates as the street addressing system is for their benefit”.

The Governor of Nangahar Province conducts a site visit following the launch of the street addressing project in Jalalabad city.

In Mazar-i-sharif, Sana, a 25-year-old resident, said she was happy with the street addressing project. “It used to be difficult to give a clear address to guests or other people to find our homes. With a clear street name, lane and house number, it will be very easy to find any address. It will also be easier to receive our orders from online shops and restaurants” said Ms. Sana.

Ms. Sana looks on as workers install street signboards in Mazar-i-sharif city