PROBLEM ASSESSMENT: DEGRADED ARTIFICIAL CHANNEL, FLOODPLAIN
ENCROAHMENT, UNETHICAL WASTE DISPOSAL, AND INCRESED FLOOD RISK
• Introduction:The artificial mudbrick channel constructed with competent
mudbrick concrete, confronts a multifaceted challenge involving degradation,
floodplain encroachment, unethical waste disposal and heightened flood risk during
the rainy season.
• The Geomoorphological changes: Erosional processes, manifested as bank
instabiluity and sedimentation, have compromised the structural integrity of the
artificial. These changes diminish the efficacy of the original design, reducing water
conveyance capacity and increasing the susceptability to flooding.
• The Floodplain Encroachmen: Inadequete floodplain regulations have allowed
significant encroachment by the public, disrupting the natural flood buffer. This
exacerbates floodrisks and the jeopardizes the ecological equilibrium.
Encroachment further compouunds the degradation of the channel.
• Unethical Waste Disposal: Over the years, the channel has become a prevalent
waste disposal site, receiving pollutants from the source communities, the
surrounding communities, and the relatively recent settled areas. This unethical
practice contributes to environmental degradation, compromises water quality, and
poses risks to aquatic ecosystems and public health.
• Increased Flood Risk: Unethical waste disposal exacerbates the risk of flooding
during the rainy season. Accumulated debris and altered channel morphology
hinder effective water flow, intensifying the potential for inundation and posing
threats to adjacent communities.
• Environmental Impact: The combined impact of degraded channel conditions,
floodplain encroachment, and unethical waste disposal includes habitat disruption,
altered sediment transportation dynamics,water pollution and increased
vunerability to flooding, resulting in severe ecological consequences.
• Structural Assessments: A comprehensive examination of the mudbrick concrete
construction reveals signs of degradation including cracks, spalling, and erosion. The
compromised structural integrity heightens concerns about the channel's ability to
manage elevated water flow during the period of heavy rainfall.
• Hydrological Implications: The diminished conveyance capacity and altered
channel morphology disrupts the local hydrological cycle, intensifying flood risks
during the rainy season. This includes potential downstream flooding, altered
stediment transportat patterns, and am elevated susceptibility to erosion.
• Community Vunerability: The confluence of floodplain encroachment, unethical
waste disposal, and increased flood risk directly impacts nearby communities.
Inadequate floodplain regulations and pollutions from waste disposal heighten
vulnerability, jeopardizing the safety and well being of residents.
• Recommendations:
• Undertake a comprehensive structural assessment to identify and address
necessary repairs or reinforcements for the artificial channel.
• Strengthen and enforce floodplain regulations to prevent further
encroachment and safeguard the natural flood buffer.
• Implement waste management initiatives, including community
education on responsible disposal practices and establishment of proper
disposal practices and the establishment of proper disposal facilities.
• Collaborative with local authorities to mitigate the heightened flood risk
by implementing effective flood control measures and debris removal
strategies.
• Conclusion: The degraded Samba gutter channel, coupled with floodplain
encroachment, unethical waste disposal, and increased flood risk, poses a critical
environmental community challenge. Immediate intervention is imperative to
address structural deficiencies, enforce regulations, and implement sustainable
practices to ensure the resilience and safety of the affected area.
