ITALIAN ORGANIZATION VENTO TO BUILD HOUSES FOR BAMIYAN CAVE DWELLERS

Afghan girl walks past the cliffs pockmarked by caves where people still live as they did centuries ago in Bamiyan, Afghanistan on October 3, 2021. — AFP

Thu 23 May 2024:

Bamiyan officials announced that the Italian organization Vento, in collaboration with the University of Florence, will construct 100 houses for local cave dwellers. The project, costing $300,000, will commence shortly.

For centuries, people have resided in the caves around the Buddha niches carved into the sandstone cliffs, with approximately 700 families currently living there.

This has raised concerns for authorities as the cliffs are part of the Bamiyan UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prolonged habitation is believed to be damaging the site due to modifications like installing doors, windows, makeshift extensions, and satellite dishes.

During a meeting with Bamiyan governor Abdullah Sarhadi, Italian officials from Vento and the University of Florence outlined plans for modern housing and upgrades to Zargaran town, including improvements to roads, alleys, and water management.

Sarhadi expressed his support for the project, which will be overseen by the Department of Urban Development and Housing in Bamiyan Province.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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