Kabul Mayor Eng. Mohammad Yousuf Nawandesh and USAID Mission Director Bill Frej were joined by Afghan officials, distinguished guests, and international donors today for a ceremonial tree planting signifying the start of phase two of the renovation of the Baghe Qazi historical garden in old Kabul.

Most of the trees in the original 3.5 hectare historical garden were cut down during the Russian occupation and the site was used briefly as a market and later a garbage dump for trash and human waste.  Last year the Kabul Municipality decided to restore the garden to its original state and began working with a German NGO to clean up the site and remove the crumbling buildings from the old market. 

With the site cleared and more than half of the garden still to be completed, the U.S. Government has joined with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and the Kabul Municipality to complete the project.  “A few weeks ago we cut the ribbon at the Bebi Mahroo park, and I am very pleased that we are witnessing the renovation of another green-space here in Kabul,” said Mayor Nawandesh.  “This is part of our plan to make Kabul green, and we plan to renovate at least 10 parks this year.”  Mayor Nawandesh thanked the U.S. Embassy and all the international donors who are working with the Municipality to achieve that goal. 

The restored garden will be the largest green-space in old Kabul and will feature small areas among the trees for family picnics, a football field, and a play area for children. The $533,000 grant from USAID will fund the completion of the park and a detailed assessment of the old Kabul community that will help determine which projects should be done next.  “I would like to thank Mayor Nawandesh for his superb leadership in working with the international community to make these park renovations possible,” said USAID Mission Director Bill Frej.  “Projects like this provide a green place for Kabul residents to enjoy nature, and USAID is committed to the Afghan people and especially the restoration of the City of Kabul.”  According to AKTC Deputy CEO Ajmal Maiwandi, the renovation of the garden will be complete this year, followed by even more tree plantings next year.