KABUL — The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) transferred 1,000 earthquake-resistant homes to residents of Giyan district in Paktika Province, nearly three years after a powerful earthquake devastated southeastern Afghanistan, the UN agency said in a statement on Monday.
The newly constructed homes, built as part of a $6.26 million recovery initiative, will provide permanent shelter to around 7,000 people—mostly women and children—who were displaced or left vulnerable by the June 2022 earthquake. The handover ceremony, held on Sunday, marked a major milestone in long-term recovery efforts in the region.
“Today’s handover is not only about roofs over heads, but about dignity, resilience, and a fresh start,” said Arafat Jamal, UNHCR’s representative in Afghanistan. “This project is a testament to what is possible when communities and humanitarian partners work together in solidarity and hope.”
The houses were built using local materials, including burnt bricks and insulated roofing, and each unit includes a family latrine. Construction was based on a cash-assistance model that allowed families to manage the building process themselves under the technical supervision of UNHCR’s implementing partner, the Afghan Community and Health Rehabilitation Organization (ACHRO). The process was conducted in three monitored phases to ensure quality and transparency.
The housing project is part of a larger package of UNHCR-supported reconstruction efforts in Paktika’s Giyan and Barmal districts, which include health clinics, schools, and the delivery of essential equipment for medical facilities. Together, these efforts have benefited more than 45,000 people and represent a total investment of over $7.8 million, including $3 million from the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan.
UNHCR said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to community-led recovery and long-term development in a region still struggling with the aftermath of one of Afghanistan’s deadliest earthquakes in recent memory.
