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DRAINAGE HERE, DRAINAGE THERE |
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Poor drainage or even lack of it,has been a major factor militating against the environment in Nigeria.
I have reported this several times and cases that support that keeps coming up. Now,we are at the heart of the raining season in Nigeria and this unavoidably implies huge volumes of flood water whenever it rains. With Wells filling up and green plants springing up, the undesired is that soil surfaces in some places are being washed away resulting in gradual erosion(I will still report on challenges of erosion though). In my university, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka,the rain is in its full element. It not only disrupts construction works going on in the school, it also exposes the need for a strong,university-wide drainage system which will connect and channel water throughout the university appropriately. We have drainage channels in our school,but it's yet to go round the entire school hence,when the flood water flows from one part of the school (with good drainage channel) to the other(without any good drainage channel),it destroy the environment there and sometimes hampers movement temporarily. Again,due to the fact that the drainage system in the school community is not entirely homogenous, when it rains,a part of the water is fairly good enough to harbour aquatic life while the other is not and it greatly reduces the number of aquatic organisms in our university with has great biodiversity potentials. Around this time last year, we experienced a huge turnout of fishes in some locations within the school where the drainage channels where blocked, by waste materials or huge woods,making it difficult for the fishes to flow through. The fishes had no other option that to jump out, with the water current, to the ground and passersby couldn't believe what they saw as their luck as they simply packed the fishes home while some deliberately turned fishermen at that time. The same situation may repeat itself this year and that's part of what I am working hard to prevent. However, the university authority is aware of the aforementioned drainage challenges and are seriously working on improving the condition. First, many construction projects are going on now in the school with many road construction projects accompanied by well-channelled drainages. So far,the drainages have ended any sight of stagnant water within the school and when complete,will be hugely helpful. Also,some departments and faculties in the university have constructed or are constructng their own drainages to make it easier for the central authority to do others. In my own capacity as an Eco-Generation ambassador to Nigeria and a student of the school, I will do my best to help achieve the best possible environment for my university as I want it to be a model for the state in environment protection. I have already mapped out my plans at achieving this which will kick start after paying a courtesy visit to our new Vice-chancellor who resumed duties about three months ago. I had wanted to visit his predecessor before he left office but it was too close to the election time for the new Vice-chancellor of the university so he didn't have the chance to receive me. But then,from the first months of our new Vice-chancellor in office,he has shown willingness to encourage and sometimes support young people in making positive impact within the university, he is so much eager to make our university a model university and take it to a high level and I am sure he will be interested in building and protecting a perfect environment for the university community. I hope to make it happen.
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9 Comments
Although drainage problems can be potentially serious, many of the solutions are not difficult or expensive. With minimal effort and time, you can remedy drainage issues and keep your area safe from water damage.
Posted 27-09-2014 15:07
Glad to know that you are planning to improve situation and have decided to meet VC to the same. All the very best, Udeh :)
Posted 27-09-2014 15:04
Thanks for highlighting the problem for us Udeh,the very fact that there is so much potential even in the midst of the drainage channel flooding , presents a huge opportunity for growth . The possibilities which you have highlighted like that variety of biodiversity in the university and the way in which you've started working on plausible solutions and plan to meet the Vice -chancellor are demonstrative of this.If your plan is implemented in a wise and sustained manner ,I'm sure that you can effectively deal with the copious amounts of rain and educate others to do so as well .
Posted 22-09-2014 02:31
Great problem you have identified there Udeh.
But I do not think poor drainage and disrupted constructions is the only problems that may arise from the idle water. I also see health risks. If university students (like the girl crossing the stream in the pic above) are exposed to such conditions, they are at a high risk of contracting diseases and infection. Tall grasses and dirty water are the ideal conditions for diseases like malaria to spread. Therefore Udeh, your task not only becomes saving the environment but also saving 'human life'. For that I salute you and wish you luck in your quest.
YES YOU CAN!
Posted 19-09-2014 17:29
@Arushi, Rohan That's great idea!
@Udeh, I am really proud of you Udeh! I wish all the best for the upcoming meeting with the new vice chanceller. Your effort and time will be proven with better drainage system. And besides of the infrastructure, I think education for the people should be followed if we consider poor management on drainage system(like throwing waste) is also main reason of bloackage.
Posted 19-09-2014 10:44
Hi Nigeria is termed Africa's boom hub, it is not surprising you are having all these problems. Your growth is estimated to reach emergent by 2025. I will advise your government to invest in cheap but sustainable and clean energy to carry out this gigantic plan. if not, they are creating future probems which will add to the climate change burden.
Posted 18-09-2014 19:21
Thanks @Arushi and @Rohan for your kind words and suggestions.
You both have proffered real solutions to this problems and I appreciate your concern.
I will do my best to help save the situation.
Posted 18-09-2014 18:06
Thanks , Udeh, for sharing Nigeria's poor drainage scenario with us . Torrential rainfall are usually beyond anyone??s control but proper planning & infrastructure can be put in place to avoid overflowing drainage ,flooding and related chaos. Living habits of the inhabitants have to change. Physical planning efforts have to be drastic and deterministic towards sustainable drainage and erosion channels. There must be massive investment in dredging and re-dredging of the existing drainage network. Floodable zones should be re-planned and flood plains can be rehabilitated as parks and recreation centers.
Really glad to know that you are so eager to improve the situation and have decided to meet VC for that. All the best. Keep us posted of your efforts . Inspiring !
Posted 18-09-2014 17:32
Rain is a blessing Udeh, but here in Nigeria & particularly in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, the situation is grim. I appreciate your concern to approach the VC so that he orders the required changes.
If we can carry out rain water harvesting, making channels for seam less water flow, reduce the garbage intake in water channels & placing segregated bins all over the university this problem can be tackled.
You are doing a great job & your planning is also very good. All the best & look forward for your implementation report soon.
Posted 18-09-2014 14:10