Kabul Residents Report Severe Water Shortages on World Water Day

Kabul residents in the 10th district's Chaqark area are facing acute water shortages, waiting hours daily to fetch drinking water for their families. On World Water Day, March 22, locals described lining up with up to 250 barrels, though the supply often runs out before everyone is served.

Sabargul, a 56-year-old resident, said she has resorted to melting snow for water even in winter amid ongoing shortages. "There are many problems; even in winter we melted snow to get water for ourselves, and now we still have no water," she told Tolo News.

Baba Sultan, another resident, highlighted additional hardships from unemployment and high prices. "Daily people in this area bring 100 to 250 barrels to get water; if the turn comes, good, if not, we can't get any water. I have experience that there have been days when I went home with an empty barrel," he said.

Taher, a third resident, urged the government to address the crisis promptly.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasized the need for equal participation of women in water resource management, noting their key role in providing water worldwide. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) described the global water crisis as a major driver of displacement for millions, calling for increased investment, global cooperation and inclusive policies.

Water expert Najibullah Sadid stated that 2.1 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, attributing the issue to climate change, population growth and human activities rather than a decrease in global water supplies.

Observed annually on March 22, World Water Day raises awareness about water importance and sustainable management, with this year's slogan 'Water for Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.'