WEDC, GHK, CEETIA Vietnam and Makerere University in Kampala are looking
into the scope of using a variety of sustainable urban drainage techniques
(SUDS or BMPs) in low-income countries. Initial field visits and workshops
in Uganda, Vietnam and Brazil have shown that the present "conventional"
systems do not meet all stakeholders needs - as the newly constructed
Nakivubo channel demonstrates (people collecting water, pollution and the
urban visual environment do seem have to bee overlooked). The Nakivubo
channel was originally built as a mosquito control measure (as was Central
Park in New York!). Kampala does already have one large stormwater
attenuation pond - the Kabaka's lake, although it was originally built for
defensive purposes, it is now used for fishing, water supply, recreation,
economic activities, as well as cleaning up the water and controlling
flooding.
Hanoi has very many ponds that are used for flood control, as well as a
variety of other activities.
So to answer Elisha's question, are ponds the best answer, the simple answer
is no. The complex answer is yes, as part of a much wider approach to urban
water management, that takes a multi-stakeholder approach and tries to work
with nature rather than forcing nature into a straitjacket.
Malaria? yes of course drainage should be considered - but look to your
compound and gutters before you look further afield.
regards
Brian Reed
Project Website
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/wedc/projects/suds/index.htm
Brian Reed
BSc, MSc, MICE, MCIWEM, CEng
Assistant Programme Manager
Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC)
Loughborough University
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3TU
telephone: (44) 01509 228307
fax: (44) 01509 211079
email: [log in to unmask]
http://lboro.ac.uk/wedc/
http://lboro.ac.uk/well/
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