Residents’ Perception on the Impact of Urban Development on Water Quality in Kabul City, Afghanistan

Abstract

Kabul, as one of the biggest cities and capital of Afghanistan, has been severely affected by the past few decades of war in the country. The Kabul city population has significantly increased after 2001, which resulted in the fastest urban development of the city. About 70% of the residents living in the informal settlement, nearly two-thirds of its population do not have access to the city water supply network, and the Kabul city drinking water is mainly being supplied through shallow wells. Proper sanitation system also does not exist in the city. This resulted in the decline of water quality. In addition, groundwater quality also displays a continued reduction in water quality due to the increased in pollution. Thus, the main purpose of this research is to analyse the effects of urban development on water quality of groundwater through resident’s perceptions. Therefore, a survey questionnaire was conducted among 429 respondents, which the results showed that about half of the respondents were not satisfied with their home drinking water quality. Besides, the analyses of data also revealed that rapid urbanisation has a significant impact on water quality. The elements that contributed to the impact of urban development on water quality of the city are mainly the rapid population growth, stormwater, water pollution, colour of water, septic tank, drainage, and pit latrine.