MS Worldwide is currently leading a comprehensive District Land Use Planning Project across six Newly Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: District North Waziristan, District South Waziristan Lower, District South Waziristan Upper, District Khyber, District Mohmand, and District Bajaur. The project, supported by the Urban Policy Unit of the Planning and Development Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, aims to strategically manage and optimize land and natural resources for sustainable development in these rapidly transforming areas.
The primary objective of this initiative is to facilitate controlled development while safeguarding vital natural resources, ensuring that land use planning aligns with both current and future needs. As these districts experience growth, the project focuses on creating a balanced approach to land management, addressing critical aspects such as:
The development of the Land Use Plan will be based on comprehensive assessments that cover a wide range of critical areas. Each assessment plays a vital role in shaping the future of the districts by providing insights into existing conditions and guiding sustainable development. Here’s an overview of each key assessment:
1. Environmental Assessment
This involves evaluating the region’s natural environment, including ecosystems, biodiversity, air and water quality, and overall environmental health. The goal is to identify areas that need protection and outline strategies to minimize the environmental impact of development projects, ensuring sustainability and ecological balance.
2. Traffic & Transportation
This assessment focuses on understanding current transportation systems, road infrastructure, and traffic patterns. The findings will inform the development of a transportation plan that addresses congestion, improves mobility, and integrates public transport options to enhance the overall efficiency of movement within the districts.
3. Population and Human Settlements
This assessment studies the demographic profile, settlement patterns, and population distribution across the districts. It helps in planning for housing, social services, and infrastructure, ensuring that urban and rural areas are developed in an organized and sustainable manner.
4. Urbanization and Hierarchy of Human Settlement
This component evaluates the degree of urbanization and the hierarchy of settlements, ranging from villages to towns and cities. The aim is to create a well-structured urban development framework that promotes balanced growth and efficient service delivery across different levels of settlements.
5. Fuels, Minerals, and Energy
An analysis of the availability and utilization of fuels, minerals, and energy resources in the districts. This assessment ensures that natural resources are exploited sustainably while promoting renewable energy sources and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources.
6. Communication
This assessment focuses on the communication infrastructure, including telecommunications, internet access, and other digital services. It aims to identify gaps and opportunities to improve connectivity, which is crucial for economic development and community well-being.
7. Social Amenities: Health, Education, Recreation, and Security
This evaluation covers the availability and quality of social amenities such as health services, educational institutions, recreational facilities, and security infrastructure. The assessment will ensure that future development includes provisions for improved access to essential social services.
8. Housing
The housing assessment analyzes the existing housing stock, construction quality, and living conditions. It aims to identify the housing needs of the population and develop strategies to improve housing standards, including affordable housing solutions for growing populations.
9. Agriculture & Livestock
This assessment looks at the current agricultural practices, land use, and livestock management. The goal is to identify opportunities for sustainable farming, land conservation, and improved livestock practices, ensuring food security and supporting the agricultural economy.
10. Industry
An analysis of the industrial sector, including existing industries and potential areas for industrial growth. This assessment helps identify zones for industrial development while ensuring that such activities are environmentally sustainable and economically viable.
11. Natural Hazards
This assessment evaluates the vulnerability of the districts to natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, and landslides. It aims to incorporate disaster risk reduction measures into the land use plan, ensuring that future developments are resilient to potential risks.
12. Trade and Commerce
This assessment focuses on the trade and commercial activities in the region, identifying key markets, supply chains, and commercial hubs. It helps in planning for economic growth by ensuring the availability of infrastructure and services to support trade and commerce.
13. Drinking Water Supply & Sewerage
This component evaluates the availability and quality of drinking water and the state of sewerage systems. The findings will guide the development of reliable water supply and sanitation infrastructure, essential for public health and sustainable development.
14. Solid Waste Management
An analysis of current solid waste management practices and infrastructure, identifying challenges such as inadequate collection and disposal systems. This assessment will inform the development of efficient waste management systems to ensure cleanliness, environmental protection, and public health.
15. District Economy
This assessment provides a comprehensive overview of the district economy, including key economic activities, employment trends, and income levels. It helps in identifying opportunities for economic diversification and growth, supporting a sustainable and resilient local economy.
16. Land Management System
This assessment examines the existing land management and governance systems, focusing on land tenure, zoning, and land use regulations. It aims to develop a clear and efficient land management system that ensures equitable land distribution and promotes sustainable development.
One of the project’s key strengths lies in its stakeholder engagement. Local communities, political representatives, civil society organizations, and district administrations are actively involved in the planning process, ensuring that the land use plans reflect the aspirations and needs of the people living in these districts.
With ongoing Traffic, Transportation, and Land Use Surveys already in progress, MS Worldwide is working diligently to gather vital data that will inform the development of comprehensive land use strategies. These strategies will shape the region’s growth, providing a framework for sustainable development that aligns with the province’s broader vision for resilience and prosperity.
This project marks a significant step toward fostering sustainable land management in the Newly Merged Districts, helping to unlock the region’s potential while ensuring the responsible stewardship of its valuable natural resources.