Urban planning crucial to tackle flooding – Operators | Prestige Real Estate News
Stakeholders in the built environment have said effective urban planning and infrastructure design are crucial in mitigating the impacts of flooding.
The Principal Partner of CN Architects Ltd, Nwosu Obinna, told The PUNCH that flooding is one of the most impactful natural disasters, wreaking significant financial havoc on the built environment.
He said, “Effective urban planning and infrastructure design are crucial in mitigating the impacts of flooding. Flood defences, such as levees, flood walls, flood plains, and green spaces, help absorb floodwaters. Sustainable drainage systems and comprehensive flood risk management are essential. Building codes and standards should mandate elevated structures, flood-resistant materials, and proper drainage systems.
“This destructive force affects housing, infrastructure, businesses, and the broader economy. The causes of flooding are multifaceted, encompassing climate change, urbanization, deforestation, construction in floodplains, and infrastructure deficiencies. The financial implications are both extensive and severe.
“In 2022, Nigeria experienced devastating floods that underscored the severe economic repercussions of such natural disasters. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the floods resulted in an estimated economic loss of $3.79bn to $9.12bn. These figures highlight the profound financial impact on the nation’s economy and the built environment.”
He noted that the Federal Government should implement policies to ensure insurance and risk transfer through subsidies, tax incentives for flood-resilient development, and public-private partnerships for affordable coverage.
He added, “Catastrophe bonds can provide funds for recovery efforts. Addressing climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating wetlands for natural flood defences is also vital.
“Flooding causes massive financial losses in the built environment, affecting property, infrastructure, financial systems, and economies. Comprehensive strategies in urban planning, infrastructure development, building codes, and insurance schemes are necessary to combat these impacts.
“Upgrading and maintaining drainage systems, implementing early warning systems, restricting development in floodplains, and enhancing emergency response, river management, and coastal protection projects are critical steps in mitigating the financial losses caused by flooding.”
Similarly, Engineer Babatunji Adegoke, said flooding can be effectively mitigated through planning laws and regulations.
He stated, “By complying with these laws, we can ensure that roads are designed and constructed to withstand heavy rainfall and flooding, green spaces are preserved and utilised to absorb excess water, developments are built in suitable areas, avoiding flood-prone zones, and infrastructure is designed and built with flood resilience in mind.
“Furthermore, enforcing these laws is equally crucial in ensuring that developers and builders comply with regulations, that government authorities monitor and control development activities, and that the public is aware of and supports flood mitigation efforts.
“By combining these measures with adherence to planning laws and regulations, we can significantly minimise the risk and impact of flooding. Well-planned and regulated development is essential for creating flood-resilient communities.”
Adegoke asserted that addressing flood issues was crucial to mitigating the attendance losses associated with them.
He advised, “Providing adequate drainage facilities and discouraging the blockage of drainage systems with waste are essential steps. Regular maintenance of drainage systems is also vital to ensure they function properly.
“Additionally, elevating roads and infrastructure in flood-prone areas above flood levels can help prevent flooding. Raising awareness about the dangers of blocking drainage channels and imposing penalties for such actions can encourage responsible behaviour.
“Utilising permeable road construction materials, such as paving stones, allows for rainwater percolation during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of flooding. Incorporating green spaces to promote percolation and reduce flood risk is also a good approach.”
According to Adegoke, providing real-time traffic information during heavy rainfall can minimise congestion, while using flood-resistant construction materials, such as concrete, instead of asphalt for road construction can enhance durability.
He also noted that the enforcement of a force majeure clause in construction contracts and the discouragement of housing developments in flood-prone areas can also help mitigate flood risks.
“Finally, developing and implementing comprehensive emergency management and response strategies is essential for adequate flood planning,” he averred.
- The PUNCH
